An explosion occurred on a cargo ship near Baltimore's Key Bridge, prompting a response from the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as local police and fire departments, officials reported. The vessel, the Liberia-registered W-Sapphire, measuring 751 feet in length, was outbound from the harbor with a complement of 23 crew members and two pilots when the incident happened, as detailed in a statement by the U.S. Coast Guard obtained by CBS News Baltimore.
No injuries have been reported from the ship, which was carrying coal, and exhibited signs of damage "consistent with a fire and explosion," according to Baltimore City Fire spokesperson John Marsh in a statement to WBAL-TV. A safety zone extending 2,000 yards from the Key Bridge to Brewerton Angle Channel LB "14" is in place, and the fire has been reported as contained. The vessel remains afloat and was assisted back to port by tugboats, the fire department confirmed.
Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay Shipwatchers group member Mike Singer said to WBAL-TV that the explosion occurred at 6:28 p.m. and the ship had just left the CSX Coal Dock. The W-Sapphire is a frequent presence in the area, departing the dock four to six times per week. The cause of the fire and explosion is currently under investigation by the Coast Guard.
