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Coast Guard Responds to Explosion on MV W-Sapphire

8/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On August 18, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to an explosion on the MV W-Sapphire in Baltimore Harbor.
The cargo ship, with 23 crew members aboard, sustained damage but remained afloat, and no injuries were reported.
Witnesses described a loud explosion and a 200-foot smoke plume; the cause is under investigation.
This incident occurred near the site of the Key Bridge collapse in March 2024, which resulted in six fatalities.

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Story summary

On August 18, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to an explosion on the MV W-Sapphire in Baltimore Harbor.
The cargo ship, with 23 crew members aboard, sustained damage but remained afloat, and no injuries were reported.
Witnesses described a loud explosion and a 200-foot smoke plume; the cause is under investigation.
This incident occurred near the site of the Key Bridge collapse in March 2024, which resulted in six fatalities.