Main Channel at Baltimore Port Temporarily Closed After Coal Ship Explosion

August 19, 2025 (U.S. Eastern Time) – The main shipping channel at the Port of Baltimore was temporarily closed after a coal-carrying bulk carrier, W-Sapphire, exploded shortly after departing from Baltimore, Maryland, en route to East Africa.

Key Details:

Explosion Incident:

• Occurred on August 18 near the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge (collapsed in 2024).

• No injuries reported among the 23 crew members and 2 pilots onboard.

• Footage showed flames and dense smoke engulfing the Patapsco River.

Port Closure:

• Critical channel blocked from Sparrows Point to the bridge wreckage.

• All vessel traffic suspended pending safety checks and debris removal.

• Coal cargo hatch blew off and sank—salvage operations underway to locate it.

Investigation:

• U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers deployed sonar survey vessel Buck to scan for underwater hazards.

• Full channel reopening timeline remains unclear.

Impact & Next Steps:

⚠ Supply Chain Delays: Baltimore handles 20% of U.S. coal exports—disruptions expected for energy/raw material shipments.
⚠ Rerouting Required: Ships bound for Baltimore must divert to Norfolk, New York, or Philadelphia.
⚠ Bridge Collapse Echoes: Incident revives memories of the 2024 Key Bridge collapse, highlighting persistent navigation risks.