The US Coast Guard is continuing its response to the explosion incident involving the bulk carrier W-Sapphire in the Chesapeake Bay with updated measures in place to ensure the safety of personnel, vessels, and the marine environment.
The response was initiated after the 751-foot (229-metre) ship suffered an onboard explosion while in Baltimore Harbor in Maryland on Monday, August 18.
The coast guard established a 2,000-yard (1,800-metre) safety zone around the incident location, spanning from the Francis Scott Key Bridge to Brewerton Angle Channel LB “14”.
The fire aboard the ship was eventually extinguished. However, a hatch detached during the explosion and entered the water.
After the hatch location was identified, the coast guard ordered the discontinuation of the 2,000-yard safety zone. An intermittent safety zone has been activated for all navigable waters within a 500-yard (460-metre) radius of the hatch cover at position 39.20865° N, 76.52017° W to permit dive and salvage operations.
A 500-yard safety zone remains in effect around the vessel, which is anchored at position 39.02333° N, 76.36833° W. Mariners are advised to avoid this area.
A draught restriction has been established for vessels transiting within a 500-yard radius of the detached hatch cover. Vessels are restricted to a maximum navigational draught of 46.6 feet (14.2 metres) due to the depth of 49.7 feet (15.1 metres) at mean lower low water.
