An explosion rocked a cargo ship carrying coal near the port of Baltimore in the US state of Maryland, US media reported on Tuesday.
The incident occurred when the ship was sailing along the Patapsco River near the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The cause of the incident was a fire in the lower decks.
There were 23 people on board, none of who were injured.
A safety zone with a radius of about 1.8 km was established from Key Bridge to Brewerton Angle Channel Light Buoy 14.
According to media reports, firefighters managed to contain the spread of the fire. The ship was evacuated from the water. The authorities have confirmed that there is no threat to the environment or shipping in the area.
According to international AIS databases, the bulk carrier W-Sapphire (IMO 9605645, MMSI 636023364) is operated by W Marine Inc. and registered to LINVILLE LP.
