On the evening of August 18, an explosion occurred aboard a vessel departing the Baltimore harbor, sending flames and thick black smoke into the air. The incident happened near the site of the previously collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. A mayday call was issued, and emergency services quickly responded. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew or pilots onboard, reports Marine Insight.
Debris in the Water, Safety Zone Enforced
The blast caused a hatch cover to be ejected from the ship, falling into the shipping channel. In response, the Coast Guard established a wide safety perimeter around the affected area and deployed sonar-equipped vessels to locate the submerged debris and assess any navigation hazards.
Channel Reopens After Swift Recovery
Traffic through the Fort McHenry Federal Channel—a vital passage for port operations—was temporarily suspended. By the afternoon of the following day, the hatch cover was successfully retrieved, and the channel was reopened to marine traffic.
Fire Contained, Vessel Awaiting Inspection
Fire crews managed to contain the blaze within the vessel, preventing further damage or escalation. The ship has since been moved to a location off the coast of Annapolis, where authorities are preparing to conduct a full inspection before allowing it to continue operations. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.
Fresh Concerns Near a Historic Site
The incident’s proximity to the location of the 2024 bridge collapse revived concerns about the region’s maritime safety and infrastructure resilience. While the recent explosion was less disruptive, it serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safety protocols and emergency preparedness in one of the East Coast’s busiest ports.
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Source: Marine Insight
