Cargo Ship Explosion Rocks Chesapeake Bay Near Baltimore
An under-deck fire caused an explosion on the cargo ship W-Sapphire near Baltimore's Key Bridge on August 18. Investigations are underway; no injuries reported.
BREAKING: Coal freighter explodes in Baltimore Harbor
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Overview
- An explosion aboard the cargo ship W-Sapphire was reported at 6:28 p.m. ET on August 18, occurring in Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore's Key Bridge.
- Officials clarified the incident involved an under-deck fire on the W-Sapphire, which sent significant black smoke billowing into the air near Baltimore.
- Despite the visible black smoke and reported explosion, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported aboard the W-Sapphire cargo ship during the incident.
- Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the precise cause of the under-deck fire and subsequent explosion on the W-Sapphire cargo ship.
- The incident occurred on a vessel identified as a coal ship, highlighting the potential hazards associated with such cargo and maritime operations in the busy Chesapeake Bay.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of the incident without employing loaded language or selective emphasis. They prioritize conveying essential details about the explosion, the response, and the lack of injuries, maintaining an objective tone throughout their collective coverage.
"The Port of Baltimore’s main shipping channel was closed Tuesday morning."
ABC News"The Port of Baltimore’s main shipping channel was closed Tuesday morning."
Associated Press"The cargo ship was carrying coal in a channel outbound from Baltimore Harbor near the site of last year's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse."
NBC NewsArticles (7)
Center (3)
FAQ
The explosion and fire were caused by an under-deck fire on the cargo ship W-Sapphire. The precise cause of the fire and subsequent explosion is currently under investigation.
No injuries were reported aboard the W-Sapphire during the explosion and fire incident.
The W-Sapphire is a 751-foot bulk carrier cargo ship, identified as a coal ship, which had just loaded coal at CSX's Curtis Bay terminal before the incident.
Firefighters responded by land and water, including using the Baltimore City Fire Department’s fireboats. The fire was contained, the ship was escorted away from the area, and investigations along with Coast Guard operations began onsite.
The explosion occurred near the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March 2024, but the two incidents are separate; the previous collapse was caused by a container ship striking the bridge while this incident involved a fire and explosion on a coal bulk carrier.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.