W Sapphire Bulk Carrier Fire in Baltimore Harbor; 23 Crew Uninjured

A Liberian-registered bulk carrier was engulfed in a fire and small explosion in Baltimore Harbor on Monday evening, near the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, with all 23 crew members uninjured and the vessel remaining afloat as responders worked to control the blaze and move it to a safe anchorage. The incident occurred in the Patapsco River around 6:30 p.m. and halted routine passage through a busy shipping channel while authorities assessed damage and a formal investigation began.

Baltimore City fire officials said an underdeck fire generated heavy smoke as crews from the Baltimore City Fire Department and Coast Guard vessels responded on land and water. The ship, the 751-foot bulk carrier W Sapphire, was escorted away from Fort Howard to reduce danger to the surrounding area. There were no reported injuries, and authorities indicated the crew was safe and accounted for. The Coast Guard confirmed that a formal investigation into the incident has been launched and noted the vessel was outbound when the explosion occurred. Local witnesses described a dramatic scene, including video evidence of a large fireball and a plume of smoke.