Baltimore Ship Explosion: A cargo ship exploded Monday evening in Baltimore Harbor, off the Chesapeake Bay, sending smoke into the air but causing no reported injuries, according to the reports. Video footage of the explosion has surfaced online, capturing the dramatic scene.
Details Of Baltimore Harbor Explosion
According to Baltimore City officials, the blast was caused by an under-deck fire that produced significant smoke. Fire department spokesperson John Marsh told WBAL-TV that the fire has been fully contained.
“No injuries have been reported aboard the ship,” Marsh said, adding that crews responded swiftly to the incident.
Baltimore Harbor Fire Incident Ship Details and Voyage Information
Mike Singer, a member of the Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay Shipwatchers group, said WBAL-TV that the explosion occurred at approximately 6:28 p.m. The vessel, carrying a load of coal, had just departed from the CSX Coal Dock.
Radar records show the ship’s call sign is D5AF7, with an IMO number of 9605645 and an MMSI number of 636023364. The ship departed Baltimore on Monday, 18 August at 5:55 p.m. and was en route to Port Louis, Mauritius, with an estimated arrival on September 23. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed these voyage details.
🚨#BREAKING: A massive explosion has occurred on a cargo ship near the Key Bridge in Baltimore Harbor
At this time, numerous emergency crews are responding to a cargo ship fire in the Baltimore Harbor on Chesapeake Bay, according to Maryland officials.… pic.twitter.com/sMxVDaeLQJ
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) August 18, 2025
Explosion Felt Across Baltimore-Area Neighborhoods
Residents in multiple Baltimore-area neighborhoods reported feeling the blast, describing loud booms and vibrations.
One Pasadena resident shared, “I knew I felt something!! I’m in Pasadena and felt something beneath my feet shake. I thought I was crazy. My boyfriend said he thought it sounded like thunder.”
Another added, “sounded horrible and vibrated the whole house! Farmington in Pasadena.”
A Brooklyn Park resident wrote, “the boom was so loud it sent our eldest bearded dragon into convulsions. She has been prone to these episodes ever since her last breeding session. We are trying to keep her as warm and comfortable as possible, please send prayers.”
🚨Breaking: 🇺🇸📰|News Aug 2025
MV W Sapphire, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, exploded and caught fire in Baltimore Harbor near the former Key Bridge at 1828 PM EDT, 8/18/25, after leaving CSX Curtis Bay with coal for Mauritius. pic.twitter.com/416A6dPvWF
— Dailymindvirus (@dailymindvirus) August 19, 2025
City officials and fire crews are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and explosion, while ensuring the area remains safe for residents and maritime traffic.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
