Coast Guard Establishes a temporary safety zone around M/V W-SAPPHIRE

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of the Chesapeake Bay within 500 yards of the M/V W-SAPPHIRE. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by the presence of explosive cargo on board the vessel. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Maryland-National Capital Region (NCR) (COTP), or a designated representative.

Around August 19, 2025, following an explosion on board that day. At that time, a 500-yard safety zone was in effect around the vessel as investigations and recovery efforts for a detached hatch cover continued. While the hatch has since been recovered and the channel reopened, the ship remains anchored as authorities formulate a plan for its future.

As of September 26, 2025, the M/V W-Sapphire is at anchor in the US East Coast region. Following the explosion aboard the vessel in August, it has been held and investigated near Baltimore, Maryland. 

Key details from recent automatic identification system (AIS) and official reports:

• Coordinates: As of September 25, the ship’s coordinates were reported as 38.29908° N, -76.30597° W.
• Anchorage: The vessel remains in a holding anchorage north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
• Status: The US Coast Guard is still investigating the explosion that occurred in August 2025 while the vessel was outbound from Baltimore with a cargo of coal. 

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Wayne Creed

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