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Posted on 08/19/2025 5:31:58 AM PDT by T.B. Yoits
On Monday night, a major explosion and fire occurred aboard a bulker in the Port of Baltimore's inner harbor, three miles from the site of the former Francis Scott Key Bridge.
At 1830 hours local time, the vessel W Sapphire (IMO 9605645) was departing the CSX Curtis Bay coal pier in laden condition. Just off the dock, the vessel sustained a massive explosion in the forward hold, followed by a fire. A web cam operated by StreamTime captured video of the event, with some of the elements of the Key Bridge visible in the background.
Multiple firefighting vessels responded immediately to the scene and began response efforts. According to the Baltimore City Fire Department, no injuries were reported on board, but the vessel sustained signs of explosion and fire damage.
The fire has been extinguished and plans for the vessel are still being arranged, according to the Coast Guard. The captain of the port has established a 2,000-yard safety zone around the vessel.
The cause of the blast is under investigation. Coal cargoes have known fire and explosion risks related to methane emissions, with the degree of risk varying by type of coal and the ventilation of the hold.
The incident may resurface longstanding concerns about health and safety in fenceline communities around the 140-year-old coal pier. In a study published last month, researchers from Johns Hopkins found that "the coal terminal is a significant driver of air pollution burdens" in the Curtis Bay community. An on-terminal explosion occurred in 2021, caused by "a localized build up of methane within the conveyor belt tunnel used to load coal to ships," according to the operator. The blast resulted in an airborne coal dust release, neighborhood complaints, a temporary shutdown and a $1.75 million settlement agreement.
(Excerpt) Read more at maritime-executive.com ...
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On a related note, we still don't know who was piloting the ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Shades of “Sum Of All Fears”...
Many leftists on X theorized that this was a Trump false-flag to justify federalizing the police in Baltimore.
Sal Mercogliano is your man.
Bulk Carrier MV W Sapphire Suffers a Cargo Explosion as it Departs Baltimore - Aug 18, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYrHJ4D4dlY
Coal Dust can explode too.................
It was cool driving around WV near Huntington and see coal piles smoldering in the sunlight. Coal cars come through here all the time and they get “misted” to prevent fires.
Idiots..................
Thank you for the Post 4 link to Sal Mercogliano’s webcast on the event.
“Coal Dust can explode too.................”
The Continental grain elevator in West Nashville used to blow up every now and then back in the 60s. It must have been the Russians.
“”Other articles pretend the bridge is still standing.””
I thought it was repaired...shows what happens when you’re distracted.
“”Officials have announced plans to replace the bridge by fall 2028.[10]””
Clearly it is a false flag to distract from Epstein. /s FTSK.
Sal is awesome. I first learned of him during the Key Bridge debacle, watched a few of his episodes breaking that one down, giving all the detail.
Now, anytime something happens involving a ship on the ocean, I go to his YouTube channel if I want detailed, informed reporting. He is a true SME and does a great job overall.
Many leftists should be institutionalized and force-fed Thorazine.
Another ship incident near a bridge.
Hmmmmm.......
Coal dust powered some experimental internal combustion train engines.
IIRC, Henry Ford’s original Model T engine design was to use coal dust.....................
looks just like to bulk cargo carries they ply the great lakes
What is FTSK?
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