Explosion Aboard Vessel Shuts Down Baltimore Harbor Channel Near Key Bridge Site: Coast Guard
The Fort McHenry Federal Channel, the same body of water where the Key Bridge fell earlier this year, has been closed due to an explosion aboard a large coal ship in Baltimore Harbor, officials said.
Francis Scott Key Bridge and Cargo Ship Dali in an NTSB drone photo
Baltimore’s Port
Baltimore’s Port
The explosion occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 18, while the 751-foot merchant ship W-Sapphire was departing Baltimore Harbor with two pilots and 23 crew members on board, according to the Coast Guard.
The explosion was reported by the coal-carrying W-Sapphire south of Fort Carroll. Officials said that a fire started but was put out.
There were no reported injuries. The reason of the explosion is still being looked into.
Along with the Baltimore Fire Department and Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Coast Guard deployed several workers and established a 2,000-yard safety zone from the Key Bridge to Brewerton Angle Channel Lighted Buoy 14.
Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, said, “State agencies are responding to the situation near Baltimore Harbor,” “My office is in touch with local and federal authorities, and we are closely monitoring the situation.”
The Fort McHenry Federal Channel will stay blocked until the Coast Guard decides when it can be safely reopened, the Port of Baltimore said Tuesday morning. Arrivals and departures of vessels are halted.
To keep an eye on the situation, we are collaborating closely with the Coast Guard and our port partners. As new information becomes available, port officials will offer updates on the channel’s condition.
