big sky yachts

Big Sky Cielo Grande Expeditions

Follow the journey of the Big Sky Cielo Grande expedition yacht currently in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico.

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12 Day Guests /

11 overnight guests /, from $270,000.

WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVE CHARTER AGENTS

With Australian DNA at her core, the 48 meter superyacht BIG SKY was designed and built by renowned yacht builder Oceanfast in Australia in 2010. Now, for the first time she has returned home to provide an unrivalled charter experience on board one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most extraordinary yachts.

Boasting 4 spacious decks for the ultimate in entertaining, the exterior spaces are carefully designed to ensure guests experience the al-fresco lifestyle Australia offers. Starting at the top deck is the jacuzzi integrated into a huge sunbed bar and u-shaped lounge, down to the sky lounge with undercover dining for 11 guests that flows into the huge lounging area for after meal relaxing. The spiral staircase escorts you down to the main deck into a more intimate lounging area, then dual staircases take you down to the vast swim platform where the fun really begins.

The interior spaces of BIG SKY are both sophisticated and modern, her neutral palette appealing to a wide variety of tastes, styles and clientele. The yacht offers a vast selection of lounge areas and dining spaces. Each deck has a fully stocked bar ensuring the crew can service your every need . One of her design highlights is the full beam main saloon creating maximum interior space, boasting huge windows allowing plenty of natural light and views of the stunning scenery.

11 guests will enjoy restful nights at sea aboard BIG SKY due to her zero speed stabilisation system. With five elaborate staterooms, each of which is outfitted with an en-suite bathroom, the master suite is located forward on the main deck, this full-beam sanctuary benefits from abundant natural light courtesy of large windows. The yacht’s additional four staterooms are located below deck and include three queen staterooms, each with walk-around beds, and one double stateroom, which also has a Pullman berth.

BIG SKY’s sense of adventure and fun is where she really shines. With one of the most elaborate array’s of water toys and tenders in any charter yacht worldwide, the yacht is the perfect platform for families of all ages.

BIG SKY must be experienced to be believed.

MINIMUM 3 NIGHT CHARTER

Tender & Toys

34′ / 10.36m Nortech 340 Sport Centre Console Tender

with 3 x Mercury 300 HP engines

4.8m Brig 480 Tender with 100 HP engine

2 x Yamaha FX Wave runners

Inflatable Waterslide

Jungle Joe inflatable climbing pyramid

Dive Compressor

Diving and Snorkeling Equipment

2 x Lift Electric foil boards

2 x Wake Boards with boots and bindings for all sizes

Katana Wakesurf

3 x Seabobs

2 x Blackfin Paddleboards

2 x Glass bottom Kayaks

Space Hopper Inflatable jet-ski dock

Towable Toys

3 Person Rave Water Boggan Banana

3 person Lunar towable chariot

8 person “Fiesta Island” tube

Fishing Equipment

Beach Games

Extensive gym equipment list

Rates start from: $270,000

Because rates are flexible per season or type of experience, please enquire today and our team will be straight in touch.

Enquire about BIG SKY

Tell us a little about what you want your experience onboard BIG SKY to be, and one of our team will get back to you today!

Experiences

Enhance your adventure with unique experiences by The Superyacht People.

Laser Clay Shooting

Private dining room, whisky masterclass, dj/live musician, yacht branding, long table lunch, photography/drone.

BIG SKY

• Description

Proudly built by Oceanfast in Australia, 48-meter (157 foot) superyacht BIG SKY was completed in 2010 and most recently refit in 2021. Finally returning home to Australian waters, BIG SKY is offering unrivalled charter experiences in the Southern Hemisphere as one of the region’s largest and most exceptional superyachts.

Remarkably voluminous in her design, BIG SKY boasts four spacious decks for the ultimate in entertaining. Her exterior spaces have been meticulously crafted to ensure guests can fully experience and appreciate the al-fresco lifestyle that Australia is renowned for. Starting at the top, the sun deck features a jacuzzi that has been integrated into her huge sunbed bar and u-shaped lounge. The sky lounge provides undercover dining for 11 guests, flowing into an expansive lounging area which is the perfect spot to relax after a delicious chef-prepared dinner. From the sky lounge, the spiral staircase escorts you down to the main deck and into a more intimate lounging area, then dual staircases take you down to the vast swim platform where the fun really begins.

The interior spaces of BIG SKY are both elegant and contemporary, tastefully furnished with a neutral palette that caters to a wide variety of client preferences and styles. The yacht offers an impressive selection of lounge areas and dining spaces. Each deck has a fully stocked bar ensuring the crew can provide each and every charter guest with seamless service. One of her most noteworthy design highlights is her full beam main saloon which maximises interior space, delivering stunning views of your surrounds and allowing natural light to flow freely through are two panoramic windows that stretch down either side of the yacht.

Accommodation is well-appointed and caters for up to 11 guests across five staterooms, each of which is outfitted with an ensuite bathroom. A full beam sanctuary, the master suite is located forward on the main deck benefits from abundant natural light courtesy of large windows. The yacht’s additional four staterooms are located below deck and include three queen staterooms, each with walk-around beds, and one double stateroom, which has an additional Pullman berth. Ensuring that each guest enjoys restful nights at sea is her zero-speed stabilisation system.

Fun and adventure are found in abundance aboard BIG SKY, with one of the most elaborate collections of water toys and tenders in any charter yacht worldwide. The perfect platform for families of all ages, BIG SKY is a must-experience for your next Southern Hemisphere adventure!

Huge Watersports Selection Including:

34′ / 10.36m Nortech 340 Sport Centre Console Tender with 3 x Mercury 300 HP engines

4.8m Brig 480 Tender with 100 HP engine

2 x Yamaha FX Wave runners

Inflatable Waterslide, Jungle Joe inflatable climbing pyramid

Dive Compressor, Diving and Snorkeling Equipment

2 x Lift Electric foil boards, 2 x Wake Boards with boots and bindings for all sizes, Katana Wakesurf, Kneeboard, Water-Skis, 3 x Seabobs

2 x Blackfin Paddleboards, 2 x Glass bottom Kayaks

Space Hopper Inflatable jet-ski dock + Towable Toys

3 Person Rave Water Boggan Banana + 3 person Lunar towable chariot + 8 person “Fiesta Island” tube

Fishing Equipment + Beach Games

Extensive gym equipment list + Yoga mats

BIG SKY Itinerary 2024

Currently cruising East Coast Australia.

French Polynesia May – October 

SWIM WITH THE WHALES IN TAHITI

Immerse yourself in the experience of swimming alongside majestic Humpback Whales in the crystal-clear waters of Tahiti. From July to November, these gentle giants make a remarkable journey of 4,000km from the Antarctic to the tropical paradise of The Islands of Tahiti for mating and birthing.

BIG SKY has teamed up with renowned local experts at Tahiti Private Expeditions, who possess a government permit, granting guests the rare opportunity to join these magnificent creatures in the water for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Suitable for divers and snorkelers of all ages, these encounters offer an unparalleled experience in the warm, inviting waters of French Polynesia. Join BIG SKY for an unforgettable underwater escapade with these awe-inspiring beings.

BIG SKY Charter Rates 2024**

From $270,000/week

**Ts & Cs apply, please get in touch for more information on pricing, availability, itineraries and optional extras.

Don’t miss out on this sleek, stylish & truly impressive new arrival to Australia’s charter scene, contact our charter expert Chloe to discover more now!

Specification

Enquire for yacht charter.

weekly rates from $180,000

BIG SKY Yacht for Charter

Not for sale or charter to U.S. residents while in U.S. waters.

One of the most legendary yachts on the charter market, the 157-foot (47.85m) tri-deck superyacht BIG SKY is truly remarkable. This impressive motor yacht is outfitted with all the amenities needed for an exceptional on-water holiday that guests will never forget. From her full suite of tenders and toys to her resplendent interior lounge spaces to her beautiful deck areas primed for enjoying the best of on-water living, there is no better yacht to choose for a charter with family and friends than BIG SKY.

Charter yacht BIG SKY was launched in 2010 by renowned yacht builder Oceanfast, who also is responsible for the yacht’s exterior design and naval architecture. BIG SKY is in immaculate condition, benefiting from continuous upgrades and a rigorous maintenance schedule, with her latest refit in 2021. The yacht is spacious with a 28-foot (8.53m) beam, ensuring there is abundant room for guests to socialize and entertain as well as enjoy privacy and seclusion, as desired. BIG SKY cruises at 14 knots and has a maximum speed of 16 knots.

The interior spaces of BIG SKY are sophisticated and modern. Designed by Alder & Tweed Design Co., the yacht offers ample lounge areas. Her main salon features massive windows allowing plenty of natural light and stunning views and is perfect for entertaining thanks to a 65-inch surround-sound TV and state-of-the-art Audio/Visual package and Wi-Fi throughout. Adjacent to the main salon is the dining salon that offers formal dining for 11. The yacht’s skylounge is another fantastic entertaining area with innovative sliding windows that create an alfresco effect throughout this deck. The space is outfitted with a beautiful onyx bar, multiple seating areas and an 80-inch surround-sound TV.

Eleven guests will enjoy restful nights at sea aboard BIG SKY in five sumptuous staterooms, each of which is outfitted with an en-suite bath complete with robes, slippers, Molton bath products and more. The master suite is located forward on the main deck. This full-beam sanctuary benefits from abundant natural light courtesy of large windows. In addition to a sumptuous King bed, this stateroom also has a chaise lounge to starboard and desk and chair to port. The en-suite features a stunning deep sculptural tub, a separate stall shower, an enclosed toilet and bidet and spacious vanity with his-and-hers sinks, among other amenities. The yacht’s additional four staterooms are located below deck and include three queen staterooms, each with walk-around beds, and one double stateroom, which also has a Pullman berth. All staterooms are beautifully appointed and offer en-suite baths. BIG SKY carries a professional crew of 10 highly experienced crew dedicated to providing guests the highest level of service while providing memories of a lifetime.

The exterior spaces of BIG SKY are sleek, sexy and contemporary. The yacht’s exceptional charter-friendly layout provides three teak decks – each of which offers alfresco dining – for guests to enjoy. The main deck aft and skylounge aft both feature lounge spaces. Guests are likely to enjoy most meals aft on the skylounge deck where 10 are comfortably seated, and a comfortable stairway provides access to the sprawling sundeck. Divided into three sections, the sundeck features a private Jacuzzi surrounded by massive sun pads and table-top bar with four stools forward, a full shaded bar amidship and ample lounge couches with an optional sunshade aft.

• Top performing Capt. Ulf Schabacker continues to exceed everyone’s expectations on every level with an incredible repeat book of business
• Modern sex appeal and sleek design offering the latest in luxury cruising
• Five stylish staterooms accommodating up to 11 guests
• BIG SKY is equipped with Zero Speed stabilizers
• Innovative sliding windows create an alfresco effect throughout entire skylounge deck
• Contemporary full-beam master stateroom on main deck providing plenty of space and natural light
• Four dynamic guest accommodations below
• Extraordinary complement of water toys
• BIG SKY has an excellent charter friendly layout with massive entertaining deck spaces

Charter Details

• At-Anchor Stabilizers
• Deck Jacuzzi
• Personal Watercraft
• Underwater lights

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please inquire.

Accommodations

Specifications, toys & tenders.

• 1 x 34' / 10.36m Nortech 340 Sport Centre Console Tender with 3 x Mercury 300 HP engines
• 4.8m Brig 480 Tender with 100 HP engine
• 2 x Yamaha FX Wave runners
• Inflatable Waterslide
• Jungle Joe inflatable climbing pyramid
• Dive Compressor
• Diving and Snorkeling Equipment
• 2 x Lift Electric foil boards
• 2 x Wake Boards with boots and bindings for all sizes
• 1 x Katana Wakesurf
• 3 x Seabobs
• 2 x Blackfin Paddleboards
• 2 x Glass bottom Kayaks
• Space Hopper Inflatable jet-ski dock
• Towable Toys
• 3 Person Rave Water Boggan Banana
• 3 person Lunar towable chariot Banana
• 8 person "Fiesta Island" tube
• Fishing Equipment
• Beach Games
• Extensive gym equipment list

Winter Rates

2023/2024 Season. Rates p/week + expenses

Cruising Regions

• Gambier Islands
• New Zealand
• Marquesas Islands

Summer Rates

2024 Season. Rates p/week + expenses

Itineraries

Weekly rates from $180,000

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With Australian DNA at her core, the 48-meter superyacht BIG SKY was designed and built by renowned yacht builder Oceanfast in Australia in 2010. Now, for the first time she has returned home to provide an unrivalled charter experience.

Boasting 4 spacious decks for the ultimate in entertaining, the exterior spaces are carefully designed to ensure guests experience the al-fresco lifestyle Australia offers. Starting at the top deck is the jacuzzi integrated into a huge sunbed bar and u-shaped lounge, down to the sky lounge with undercover dining for 11 guests that flows into the huge lounging area for after-meal relaxing. The spiral staircase escorts you down to the main deck into a more intimate lounging area, then dual staircases take you down to the vast swim platform where the fun really begins.

The interior spaces of BIG SKY are both sophisticated and modern, her neutral palette appealing to a wide variety of tastes, styles and clientele. The yacht offers a vast selection of lounge areas and dining spaces. Each deck has a fully stocked bar ensuring the crew can service your every need . One of her design highlights is the full beam main saloon creating maximum interior space, boasting huge windows allowing plenty of natural light and views of the stunning scenery.

11 guests will enjoy restful nights at sea aboard BIG SKY due to her zero-speed stabilisation system. With five elaborate staterooms, each of which is outfitted with an en-suite bathroom, the master suite is located forward on the main deck, this full-beam sanctuary benefits from abundant natural light courtesy of large windows. The yacht’s additional four staterooms are located below deck and include three queen staterooms, each with walk-around beds, and one double stateroom, which also has a Pullman berth.

BIG SKY’s sense of adventure and fun is where she really shines. With one of the most elaborate arrays of water toys and tenders in any charter yacht worldwide, the yacht is the perfect platform for families of all ages.

• Charter Conditions
• Tender and Watersports

Liveaboard Charters: Charters may be confirmed via the use of the MYBA Charter Agreements or equivalent terms.

Rates include use of the yacht, and professional marine crew. APA and local taxes may apply unless otherwise stated.

• 21′ Sea Hunt Triton 210 with 150hp Yamaha outboard and Minn Kota electric fishing motor
• 8m Brig 480 Tender with 90 HP engine
• 2 x Yamaha FX Wave runners
• Inflatable Waterslide
• Snorkelling Equipment
• 2 x Lift Electric foil boards
• 2 x Wake Boards with boots and bindings for all sizes
• 1 x Katana Wakesurf
• 1 x Kneeboard
• 1 x Water-Ski
• 3 x Seabobs
• 2 x Blackfin Paddleboards
• 2 x Glass bottom Kayaks
• 2 x Schiller Water Bikes
• Space Hopper Inflatable jet-ski dock
• Inflatable water toys
• Towable Toys
• 1 x 3 Person Rave WaterBoggan Banana
• Fishing Equipment
• Beach Games

BIG SKY Oceanfast | From US$ 180,000/wk

• Inspiration

BIG SKY has 41 Photos

Windward Islands

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Special offer: 10% off refitted luxury ...

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ALEXANDRA | From EUR€ 180,000/wk

• Yachts >
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• Motor Yachts Over 100ft/30m for Charter >

BIG SKY Oceanfast | From US$ 180,000 /wk

BIG SKY (ex Australis, Oceana) is a fantastic 48m motor yacht launched by the Australian shipyard Oceanfast in 2010 and refitted in 2021. With elegant, modern interiors and spacious socializing areas, the yacht is able to accommodate up to 11 charter guests in 5 en-suite cabins.

NOTABLE FEATURES OF BIG SKY: ~ Modern design ~ Spacious interior and exterior deck areas ~ Fantastic al fresco dining possibility ~ Onboard Jacuzzi tub ~ Fabulous selection of water toys ~ Waterslide

Superyacht BIG SKY features a world-class construction pedigree, that draws on Oceanfast's 20-year history in the production of award-winning motor yachts. The vessel is designed for owners seeking a high quality, well engineered and functional yacht and charterers looking for a comfortable, spacious and well-equipped motor yacht for unique luxury charter vacations.

VIDEO OF SUPERYACHT BIG SKY

BIG SKY Specifications

The vessel has large fuel tanks enabling her to carry 64,000 liters of fuel at one go, with the range of 4000 NM at the average speed of 12 knots. The vessel has great stability thanks to her active 4 fin stabilizer system. Oceanfast 48 is Llyods registered and has an MCA compliant certificate.

***NOT AVAILABLE OR OFFERED FOR CHARTER TO US CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS WHILE IN US WATERS***

Yacht charter accommodation.

Motoryacht BIG SKY can accommodate up to 11 guests in 5 lovely and spacious en-suite cabins, and she also carries 10 professional crew members. The main deck is a home to a full-beam owner cabin with a large wardrobe and ensuite bathroom with a tub. The lower deck features three queen cabins with en-suite shower rooms, as well as one queen cabin with a Pullman berth and ensuite shower room.

Charter Amenities and Extras

TENDERS & TOYS: ~ 2015 Nortech 340 (34ft) Center Console Tender with Twin 300 hp ~ 1 x 18.5 ft. Williams 565 Diesel Jet Tender with 190hp engine ~ 2 x Yamaha FX cruiser waverunners (2020 model) ~ Seadoo RXT 300 (2017 model). **this Seadoo is dedicated to the flyboard, but can be converted back into a riding jetski on request** ~ 2 x Yamaha stand up jet skis (2018 model) ~ 5 x Snorkels gear (kids) ~ 10 x Snorkels gear (adult) ~ 2 x Lift Electric Foil boards ~ 2 x Wakeboards (125, 139), Boots and Bindings for all sizes ~ 1 x Katana Wake Surf ~ 1 x Kneeboard ~ 1 x water-skis ~ 4 x Seabob (2017 model) ~ 1 x Jet Flyboard – Zapata – 75ft hose. Professional series w/ jet driven boots that let you fly ~ 1 x 2 person Hobie Mirage Pro Kayak with Footpeddles INFLATABLE TOYS: ~ Jet Ski Dock/Swim Platform ~ Jungle Joe Inflatable ~ 2 x BOTE HD Stand Up Paddle Boards ~ 3 person Rave Banana WaterBoggan ~ ~ 3 person Lunar towable chariot 8 person "Fiesta Island" tube BEACH EQUIPMENT: ~ 2 x Umbrellas ~ 3 x Gazebos ~ 14 x Beach chairs ~ 3 x Tables ~ 1 x Volley Ball net ~ Assortment of beach toys and games FISHING GEAR: ~ 2x Tiagra 30w ~ 2x TLD 25w ~ 2x Shimano baitcaster 8000 Communications: ~ SATCOM: ~ 1 x Inmarsat C with SSAS ~ 1 x Inmarsat C ~ GMDSS: GMDSS A3 radio station ~ VHF: 2 x Furuno VHS/DSC radios ~ SSB RADIOTELEPHONE: 1 x Furuno SSB radiotelephone ~ TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM: Alphatron PABX ~ INTERCOM SYSTEM: Alphatron PABX ~ INTERNET: Intellian VSAT v100 and GSM (routers in place throughout vessel) ~ SATELLITE TELEPHONE: Iridium ~ Gym equipment: ~ Spin Bike "Yosuda" ~ BOFLEX 1090 weights ~ 2 x 10kg dumbbell weights ~ 2 x 5kg dumbbell weights ~ 4 x 2kg dumbbell weights ~ 6 x Yoga mats ~ Exercise ball ~ TRX exercise bands ~ Ab roller ~ 4 x ankle weights

Charter Yacht Disclaimer

This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.

BIG SKY Enquiry

Dear Nicolas, - Once again, many thanks for arranging this charter. For the boat - great in terms of overall layout - spacious rooms in brand new condition. Lots of space to move around and plenty of space for 10 passengers. Also good space on the deck - especially on the triboard which is well protected from the sun - we spent a lot of time there. Technically in very good condition - great ventilation and stabilisers. No smell of diesel whatsoever - engine room well pressurised and in immaculate condition. Boat was very stable throughout and not noisy during the night passages. Lots of toys on board - all brand new. They will have their own seabobs next yeat (very popular toy for us and especially the kids). Great idea with the slide from the top deck.. The crew definitely made this a fantastic journey - it will be hard to find better. Great service - discreet and nice without being invasive. Always new decorative touches during lunch and dinner. Candles in the evening. We were pleasently surprised because they had a lot of initiative in that sense. Unpacked our bags and hung everything in a tidy manner. Beds always prepared twice a day. Crew very helpful with the toys - we were very demanding in that sense since we wanted everything prepared for the morning - and we required a lot of stuff to be prepared and in the water. Chef is great - always fresh food and great recepies - this boat deserves to be qualified as a michelin star restaurant. Great breakfast and amazing desserts. So overall - great experience. We would also like to thank you for organising the charter and the embarkment which was very efficient and stress free. I realise that you had to coordinate a lot of things at the last minute. We will be getting in touch with you for our future charters. Charter on AUSTRALIS around Naples & Amalfi.

MARLA | From EUR€ 180,000/wk

ASLEC 4 | From EUR€ 180,000/wk

HATT MILL | From US$ 180,000/wk

Bearing the essence of Australian craftsmanship in her DNA, the magnificent 48-meter superyacht known as BIG SKY was meticulously conceived and constructed by the esteemed Australian yacht builder, Oceanfast. Avaliable for charter in Australia and the South Pacific.

48m / 157' 6"

USD 180,000 /wk

‍ Rate: USD 180,000 /wk ----------------------------------------------------- Length: 48m / 157'6" ----------------------------------------------------- Beam: 8.80m / 28'10" ----------------------------------------------------- Draft: 2.55m / 8'4" ----------------------------------------------------- Built/Refit: 2010 / 2021 ----------------------------------------------------- Builder: Oceanfast ----------------------------------------------------- Speeds: 12 Knots ----------------------------------------------------- Crew: 10

BIG SKY can accomodate up to 11 guests 5 cabins.

Cabin Configuration: 4 Double, 1 Triple

Bed Configuration: 1 King, 4 Queen, 1 Single

• Zero speed stabilisation system.
• Sun Deck jacuzzi surrounded by huge sunbed & bar.
• 3,200nm range with incredibly economic engines.
• One of the widest selection of charter toys on any yacht worldwide.
• 21' Sea Hunt Triton 210 with 150hp Yamaha outboard and Minn Kota electric fishing motor
• 4.8m Brig 480 Tender with 90 HP engine
• Yamaha FX Wave runners x2
• Inflatable Waterslide
• Snorkelling Equipment
• Lift Electric foil boards x2
• Wake Boards with boots and bindings for all sizes x2
• Katana Wakesurf
• Blackfin Paddleboards x2
• Glass bottom Kayaks x2
• Schiller Water Bikes x2
• Space Hopper
• Inflatable jet-ski dockInflatable water toys
• Towable Toys
• Person Rave Water
• Boggan Banana
• Fishing Equipment

BIG SKY was designed and built by the prestigious Australian shipyard Oceanfast.

With five elaborate staterooms, each of which is outfitted with an en-suite bathroom, the master suite is located forward on the main deck. This full-beam sanctuary benefits from abundant natural light courtesy of large windows.

BIG SKY’s sense of adventure and fun is where she really shines. With one of the most elaborate arrays of water toys and tenders on any charter yacht worldwide, the yacht is the perfect platform for families of all ages.

Contact us for information about this boat or the charter process → ‍ ‍

Destinations for this yacht

The Islands of Tahiti

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My life in boats: Ray Bartoszek, owner of 48m Big Sky

Ray Bartoszek tells Grace Trofa about making memories with his family on board 48-metre Big Sky_, the superyacht named after his favourite ski resort in Montana._

I grew up in New York , went to the US Merchant Marine Academy and sailed on merchant vessels as an engineer and a deck cadet – I could go into the engine room and turn some wrenches, but I choose not to.

Big Sky is all we could have imagined and more. She's had a recent remodel of the interior; she is comfortable, warm and chic. We like to believe we have the most toys of any yacht this size – four Seabobs, a slide board, four jet skis, a 10-metre Nor-Tech tender, paddleboards and kite surfs.

I have six children. With my wife, Lydia, and all of us on board, we have shared many memorable moments. Watching my eight-year-old son Owen and my seven-year-old daughter Natalia jump off the 10-metre-high top deck is a moment I will never forget.

We have a schedule of six trips a year with time for eight to 10 charter trips. We picked up Big Sky in Europe and although we love cruising there, we all agreed the yacht would get more use in the Bahamas . Staniel Cay is where we usually anchor to have private beach moments with family, swim with sharks , visit Thunderball Grotto and have amazing warm-weather experiences. We have a private jet so just four-and-a-half hours after leaving Bozeman we are cruising on our yacht.

Our chefs do a lot of themed dinners with costumes, which the kids really enjoy, and later we watch movies under the stars. Right now, the bloom is not off the rose for Big Sky . We are all happy with the yacht, and watching our children grow up right in front of our eyes.

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Contemporary Style Turns Heads, While Watertoys Keep the Fun Flowing

SPECIAL OFFER

VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS

Toys and tenders.

5.8 meter Nautica tender with 175 horsepower Volvo Penta inboard diesel engine custom inflatable slide from bridge deck 2 Yamaha VXS waverunners 2 Conquest Dyak kayaks BIC P6300 windsurfer with 2 sails Vector KC3 kiteboard Connolly waterskis Connolly kneeboard Rave waterboggan - 6 person Aquaglide Blast Aquaglide paddleboard Aquaglide airport inflatable platform Aquaglide rebound floating trampoline snorkel gear fishing gear beach barbeque beach gazebo beach furniture beach games NUVO music system throughout yacht Sharp Aquos flat screen televisions throughout surround sound audio throughout yacht deck jacuzzi hot tub beach club iPod docking stations X-Box wifi Inmarsat C System

PRESENTING BIG SKY

A sleek exterior and contemporary styling define Oceanfast yacht BIG SKY as a vessel built for today’s charterers. Featuring comfort stabilizers to prevent the yacht from rocking, both at anchor and underway, the 48-meter yacht is the ideal platform for corporate social events and family getaways. The Oceanfast 48 series motor yacht BIG SKY blends modern style with creative use of space rarely seen in other yachts similar in size.

Click Here To Learn More About Global Special Events: https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/yacht-charter-special-events/

ACCOMMODATIONS

Australian-built super yacht BIG SKY Oceanfast 48 features five guest cabins for a maximum of ten guests. The master suite is on the main deck. It boasts a king bed, dressing area, and en-suite bathroom. Additionally, four additional double cabins are on the lower deck.  One of the double cabins is a convertible.  Further, from a twin cabin to a gym/media room.

While all cabins feature complete audio/visual entertainment systems, the motor yacht’s extensive watersports inventory keeps most guests topside throughout the day. Her toy list includes a custom water slide. It perches on the Bridge deck. Additionally, a floating trampoline and lots of inflatable toy use happen on charter.

To See Another Great Yacht Loaded with Watertoys, Click Here: https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/explore-our-yachts/at-last/

The ondeck amenities on superyacht BIG SKY include a spa hot tub jacuzzi on the Sun deck, al-fresco dining areas, and a gazebo and beach furniture for onshore picnics – the perfect venue for relaxation and entertainment.

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BIG SKY Yacht

Status: This yacht is only on our website for charter.

Motoryacht BIG SKY

The BIG SKY yacht is a 157.5ft / 48m luxury yacht built and launched by yacht builder Oceanfast . Delivered to a proud yacht owner in 2010 and refit in 2023, this luxury yacht sleeps up to 11 guests in 5 staterooms and has accommodations for 10 crew. She has a beam of 28.9ft / 8.8m, a draft of 8.2ft / 2.5m, and she measures in at 492 gross tons. Her hull is aluminum and her decks are teak. Her max speed is 16 knots and cruising speed is 14 knots. She is propelled by MTU engines at 1,330 hp each. Her interior design is by Alder & Tweed Design Co with exterior styling by Oceanfast .

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Contact: Merle Wood | mwood(Contact us at)merlewood.com | +1-954-525-5111 Contact: John Cohen | jcohen(Contact us at)merlewood.com | +1-954-647-8255

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Get front row seats at the Olympic Games with motor yacht BIG SKY on a Tahiti yacht charter

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By Katie Scott   15 March 2024

An exceptional opportunity to be right at the front of the action during the forthcoming Olympic Games, 157.6ft (48m) charter yacht BIG SKY has availability that coincides with the Olympic Games Surfing. Making now the perfect time to book an indulgent Tahiti yacht charter .

Scheduled to take place from 27 July - 4 August 2024, the Olympic surfing event sees the world's best surfers take on the legendary waves of Teahupo’o in Tahiti. A popular draw for watersports yacht charters , Tahiti and French Polynesia yacht charters are a great match for BIG SKY with her impressive water toy collection.

In between the Olympic events, charter guests onboard can enjoy the use of:

• Yamaha FX WaveRunners
• Jet Skis and a SEABOB
• Waterskis and towable toys
• Wakeboards, kayaks,two tenders and more

Motor yacht BIG SKY is perfect for all ages thanks to her elegantly appointed deck areas and a vast selection of water toys, making her an ideal choice for a luxury yacht charter

Offering a multitude of advantageous viewpoints, the exterior decks of motor yacht BIG SKY are sumptuous and laden with premium facilities including an on-deck Jacuzzi, spacious sun pads, a barbeque, and ample choices for alfresco dining and lounging.

A yacht rental that is suitable for charter guests of all ages, the outdoor living environment is spacious and inviting, with plenty of shade and shelter for optimal comfort and privacy.

Interiors of this captivating Oceanfast yacht charter reflect the same welcoming ambiance of the exteriors with abundant space to socialize and relax, with natural light filtering through extensive glazing.

Fitted out with air conditioning and Wi-Fi connectivity, charter guests can stay connected at all times throughout the charter vacation, along with a NUVO music system for endless hours of entertainment.

Hosting a lavish five-cabin layout for up to 11 charter guests, the cabins onboard BIG SKY are bright, airy, and have an exquisite finish. Featuring a master cabin, three double cabins, and a twin, they all have private en-suite facilities and windows for exclusive views throughout a South Pacific yacht charter .

Tahiti yacht charters: At a glance

A region of outstanding natural beauty with untouched coastlines and kaleidoscopic coral reefs, French Polynesia and Tahiti yacht charters provide an unrivaled escape to paradise. Offering serene, idyllic views at every angle, charter guests looking for an action-packed  family yacht charter , or a peaceful escape for a honeymoon yacht charter , will find everything they need and more.

Stretching out sea legs is a scenic affair on the island with stunning hikes up  Mount Aorai , the second-highest peak in Tahiti, while other attractions like the sacred  Ārahurahu Marae  and the  Pā'ōfa'i Gardens  offer authentic glimpses into traditional island life.

For more inspiration on the best things to see and do while in the area, take a look at the complete  guide to Tahiti  and view some sample  Tahiti yacht charter itineraries .

Tahiti yacht charter itineraries

To secure your chance to have a front row seat for the Olympic Games Surfing on a Tahiti yacht charter with motor yacht BIG SKY, contact your preferred  yacht charter broker today for availability and yacht rental costs .

Alternatively, find other yacht rentals of a similar caliber by viewing all  Oceanfast charter yachts .

Tahiti yacht charters

86m Oceanco 2016

23m Alliaura Marine Group 2012 / 2013

19m Sunreef Yachts 2014 / 2016

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1 The Moscow Kremlin

3 Bolshoi Theatre

4 gorky central park of culture and leisure, 5 krasnaya ploshchad'.

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6 St. Basil's Cathedral

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How the Key Bridge Collapsed in Baltimore: Maps and Photos

By Weiyi Cai ,  Agnes Chang ,  Lauren Leatherby ,  Lazaro Gamio ,  Leanne Abraham and Scott Reinhard

On Tuesday, a major bridge in Baltimore collapsed into the water seconds after it was struck by a cargo ship, sending vehicles on the bridge into the river below. The ship lost power and issued a mayday call shortly before it hit the bridge.

The ship, a 948-foot-long cargo vessel called Dali, was about a half hour into its journey toward Colombo, Sri Lanka, when it hit a main pillar of the bridge. All crew members are safe, according to the ship’s owners.

Follow our live coverage .

A mayday call from the ship gave officials enough time to stop traffic at both ends of the bridge. The waters where the bridge collapsed are about 50 feet deep. By Tuesday morning, six construction workers who had been fixing potholes on the bridge remained missing as divers and other emergency workers on boats and helicopters continued to search for them. Two others had been rescued, and one was in the hospital.

Francis Scott

Patapsco River

The ship left the Port

of Baltimore around

1 a.m. on Tuesday.

Where impact occurred

Direction of the ship

The ship hit the

bridge at 1:28 a.m.

The ship hit the bridge at 1:28 a.m.

Where impact

Source: Spire Global

The New York Times; satellite image by Google Earth

The lights of the ship flickered on and off as it lost power in the minutes before the ship changed bearing and hit the bridge.

Ship approached from

the Port of Baltimore

Road repair crews

Ship changed heading

as it neared pillar

Ship made impact

with pillar

Southern and central spans

of bridge began to collapse within

seconds of impact

Northern span began to

collapse seconds later

Within 30 seconds of impact,

the central part of bridge had

entirely collapsed.

Source: StreamTime Live via YouTube

Timestamps are from StreamTime Live video.

The New York Times

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was built in 1977 and carried more than 12.4 million vehicles last year. The bridge was one of the three major ways to cross the Patapsco River and formed part of Baltimore’s beltway.

The Port of Baltimore is a major trade hub that handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year. It is an especially important destination — the nation’s largest by volume last year — for deliveries of cars and light trucks.

Ship impact

To Chesapeake Bay

Sources: Maryland Port Administration, OpenStreetMap, MarineTraffic

Overall, Baltimore was the 17th biggest port in the United States in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The bridge collapse brought marine traffic there to a standstill, with seven cargo or tanker ships stuck in the harbor as of Tuesday afternoon.

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency for Maryland and said that his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. transportation secretary. The White House issued a statement saying that President Biden had been briefed on the collapse.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

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Baltimore bridge collapse: What happened and what do we know about the ship?

WHAT HAPPENED IN BALTIMORE?

Why did the bridge collapse, are there any casualties, what do we know about the ship that was involved, what do we know about the bridge that collapsed.

HOW WILL THE BRIDGE COLLAPSE IMPACT THE BALTIMORE PORT?

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Venezuela opposition registers presidential candidate to keep spot on ballot

A major Venezuelan opposition group has registered a candidate for July's presidential election to ensure a spot on the ballot, even though the primary winner and her alternate were unable to sign up, electoral authorities and sources said on Tuesday.

Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship strike; construction crew missing: Live updates

BALTIMORE − A massive search effort stretched into Tuesday afternoon for six construction workers who were on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore when it was struck by a cargo ship and collapsed into the frigid Patapsco River, shutting down a critical artery for East Coast shipping .

One body has been recovered from the water, Baltimore City Council member Phylicia Porter told CNN .

Around 1:30 a.m. a Singapore-flagged vessel named Dali struck the Key Bridge as it was leaving the Port of Baltimore, causing the span to collapse in seconds. Officials said the crew warned of a power issue and sent out a "mayday" before the collision. Footage of the incident shows the cargo ship smash into one of the columns before the bridge snapped, hit the water and partially fell on the ship, where a burst of flames and smoke could be seen rising into the night sky.

Several vehicles were on the bridge at the time of impact and plunged into the river, which was measured Tuesday at 48 degrees, cold enough to cause hypothermia. There were multiple contractors on the bridge who were repairing potholes, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said. So far two people have been rescued. One was unharmed and the other remains in "very serious condition," he said.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said at an afternoon news conference the agency will lead the investigation, but that she would not provide information on fatalities or injuries from the incident, leaving that to local authorities.

Asked the priority beyond the search-and-rescue operation being conducted by the Coast Guard, she said, “Right now it’s about people. It’s about families and addressing the needs of those that were impacted, that’s the focus.''

The ship's crew remained on the Dali, which needed to be assessed for damage before rescuers could board it, said James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department. The vessel was carrying cargo for the major shipping company Maersk and was headed for Sri Lanka.

A senior U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY the ship apparently lost power a few minutes before striking the bridge. A federal report has confirmed that version of events , saying the crew lost its ability to control the vessel.

Developments:

∎  The University of Maryland Medical Center's trauma center treated one patient from the collapse who has been discharged, Michael Schwartzberg, the medical center's spokesperson, said in an email. Schwartzberg declined to say more about the person's injuries, citing patient privacy concerns.

∎  The National Transportation Safety Board is scheduled to hold a news conference about its investigation into the incident Tuesday afternoon.

∎ Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott issued a state of emergency to better mobilize resources and work quickly to "address this crisis," he said in a post on X . The governor of Maryland issued a state of emergency earlier Tuesday.

Crew lost control as propulsion deserted ship, report says

The Dali lost propulsion leaving port and its crew lost control of the ship, prompting the crew to alert Maryland officials of a possible collision, an unclassified Department of Homeland Security report revealed Tuesday.

An official who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed to USA TODAY that the DHS cybersecurity agency is working with federal, state and local officials "to understand the potential impacts of this morning’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge."

This was not the Dali's first harsh encounter with a pier, and that time its leadership was determined to be at fault. It's too early to know what caused Tuesday's accident.

The cargo ship that  struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge  collided with a shipping dock in Belgium in 2016. That incident occurred as the Dali was leaving port in Antwerp and hit a loading pier made of stone, causing damage to the ship’s stern, according to the VesselFinder.com website, which tracks ships across the world. An investigation determined a mistake made by the ship’s master and pilot was to blame.

No one was injured in that crash, although the ship required repair and a full inspection before being returned to service. The pier – or berth – was also seriously damaged and had to be closed.

− Josh Meyer, Emily Le Coz and Claire Thornton

What did the most recent inspection report say about the bridge?

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge was listed in overall fair condition in 2021, the most recent inspection report in the Federal Highway Administration’s  National Bridge Inventory  at the time of its  collapse early Tuesday morning . 

However, the database noted that, “Bank protection is in need of minor repairs. River control devices and embankment protection have a little minor damage. Banks and/or channel have minor amounts of drift.” 

Other structural elements showed  “some minor deterioration”  but were otherwise listed in satisfactory condition.

− Cecilia Garzella and Yoonserk Pyun

'We're with you': Biden says federal government will rebuild bridge

President Joe Biden said he intends for the federal government to cover the entire cost to rebuild the Key Bridge, and he committed not to leave “until this job gets done.”

“We're with you. We're going to stay with you as long as it takes,” Biden said Tuesday afternoon from the White House Roosevelt Room.

Biden said he spoke with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and other local and state officials about the bridge’s collapse, and said he would visit the site in the future. “I told them we're going to send all the federal resources they need as we respond to this emergency − I mean all the federal resources. And we're going to rebuild that port together.”

Biden said eight people remain unaccounted for, but the figure might change. Two people were rescued. "Everything so far indicates that his was a terrible accident,” Biden said, adding there’s no reason to believe it was intentional.

“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families, especially those waiting for news of their loved ones right now,” Biden said. “I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime.”

Biden said the ongoing rescue operation remains the top priority but relayed that he told Moore he has directed his team to “move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as humanly possible."

− Joey Garrison

Crewman reports all on board Dali are safe

This past weekend, Andrew Middleton took the ship's captain and a crewman shopping at a nearby Walmart. Since 9/11, international crews have to be escorted by a vetted person through most port areas, and Middleton said it's fairly common for crews like the Dali's to request assistance from the Apostleship of the Sea Baltimore Stella Maris International Seafarers' Center, where he is the director. The group is part of the Catholic Church's Archdiocese of Baltimore.

"They were by all appearances in good spirits," Middleton said, and they chatted in his van about the ship's planned 28-day voyage around the Horn of Africa to Sri Lanka. Middleton said crews usually buy personal toiletries and snacks before long trips.

Middleton woke up Tuesday morning to the shocking news the ship hit the bridge, and he immediately messaged one of the crewmen via WhatsApp. "My question to him was, 'Is everyone OK?' And the answer was, 'Yes sir, everyone is safe,'" Middleton told USA TODAY.

The crew is still aboard the ship while authorities assess the situation. Middleton said he's prepared to send them any supplies they need if they're stuck aboard for an extended period. And he said he's making plans to help them once they're freed and returned to shore. He said he expects the Dali will be towed back into the harbor and docked for a damage assessment. Middleton added that he worries both about the missing workers from the bridge and also the port workers who may be temporarily unemployed if the harbor gets shut down.

"Obviously, this incident has a large impact on the port community,'' he said. "If this extends a long period of time, we're going to have longshoreman and stevedores who are not working, tugboat crews who are not working. It has the potential, if it becomes a drawn-out event, to affect many lives."

− Trevor Hughes

'It's devastating to the city'

Greg Trenchard, 43, awoke Tuesday to a flurry of text messages and missed calls from his out of state relatives checking in on him after hearing about the Key Bridge collapse.

“I’ve driven over it 100 times and now to see that it’s gone is pretty crazy,” he said Tuesday.

Trenchard, an auditor, said he then tried to make his way to Fort Armistead Park, where he’d come many times before to take photos of the bridge at sunrise and sunset. But the normally quick drive took nearly 40 minutes due to the traffic detours, and a police roadblock next to Royal Farms, a convenience store, about a mile and half from the park stopped him from getting any closer to the scene.

“It’s a blow,” he said of the collapse. “It’s devastating to the city, it’s devastating to port traffic and everything they’re trying to do to revitalize the shipping industry in Maryland and keep that going.”

– N'dea Yancey-Bragg

Air, land and water search underway

Multiple local, state and federal agencies are coordinating the massive search, which spans a vast section of the river – both above and below the surface of the water – and the ship itself, Wallace said. Divers, helicopters and sonar technology were being used and had located several vehicles submerged in the river, which is about 50-feet-deep where the bridge collapsed.

"This water is current influenced, so right now we think the tide is coming back in," he said.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and said he is working with an interagency team to "quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration."

"This is an unthinkable tragedy," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said at a news conference.

Expert says river current makes search more difficult

Jim Bellingham, the executive director for the Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy and expert in marine robotics lives in nearby Fells Point, and talked to USA TODAY about some of the challenges faced by rescuers.

“Nothing is staying put in the ocean,” he said. “Everything is moving” in the Patapsco River, a tidal estuary, which presents just one difficulty for rescue efforts. Rescuers would have to determine the speed and direction of the current to figure out where to search – toward Baltimore Harbor, or out toward the Chesapeake Bay.

Bellingham said it’s likely any workers who may have been on the bridge would have been wearing reflective vests and even flotation devices that would improve visibility in the dark river. They might also have flares, and are more easily spotted by rescue helicopters.

Rescuers are using sonar, lights, cameras and robotic machinery as well as human divers, but Bellingham said divers would face their own risks, as the wreckage might not be stable.

The longer the search goes on, the less likely rescuers are to find survivors, given the temperature of the water, and the likelihood of people being trapped with little to no air. But Baltimore, with many Navy and Coast Guard facilities and military contractors nearby, might be as well prepared to deal with the disaster as any place.

“Their job is to rescue people,” Bellingham said. “They want to believe they can do that, and there’s a tendency not to want to give up.”

– Phaedra Trethan

Cargo ship was headed for Sri Lanka

The container vessel was chartered by the major shipping company Maersk and was carrying its cargo, according to a statement from the company. When it crashed into the bridge, no Maersk crew and personnel were onboard the vessel, which is operated by charter vessel company Synergy Group and owned by Singapore-based Grace Ocean Pte.

The Dali was slated to arrive April 22 in Sri Lanka, according to MarineTraffic, a global ship tracking service.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," Maersk said in a statement. "We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed."

Synergy Marine Corp said the Dali collided with one of the pillars of the bridge and that all its crew members, including two pilots, have been accounted for and there were no reports of any injuries.

U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Erin Palmer said at a news conference Tuesday that the agencies remain focused on search-and-rescue. She did not comment on the crew of the ship or provide additional details about the collision.

All vessel traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore was suspended until further notice, but the port is still open for truck transports, Wiedefeld said. Traffic, meanwhile, is being diverted from the area around the Key Bridge.

Baltimore port closed to ships 'until further notice'

Shortly after the bridge collapse, the Port of Baltimore suspended vessel traffic “until further notice,” according to its website.

“This does not mean the Port of Baltimore is shut down. We are still processing trucks inside of our terminals,” the statement said.

But Bloomberg reported that the port “looks to be out of commission indefinitely.”

At least 40 ships are now more or less trapped inside the port, according to Reuters. At least 30 other ships planned to arrive there.

“They will likely have to reroute shipping to other ports on the East Coast,” said Kevin Linderman, a professor and supply chain expert at Pennsylvania State University. “However, this will put additional demand on these ports, and shippers may not be able to access US markets” as efficiently, he said.

“One critical question is, can the other ports handle the products that were destined to Baltimore?”

– Daniel de Visé

Will the Baltimore bridge collapse impact cruises?

Baltimore is a destination for several major cruise lines. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival have April sailings that could be impacted by the bridge collapse, according to their websites. 

Carnival told USA TODAY it was premature to comment on impacts to future sailings.

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website. The cruise line told USA TODAY their schedules remain unaffected but will make adjustments if needed to future cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September.

– Eve Chen and Nathan Diller

Will the port shutdown affect consumer goods, prices?

Several big firms have distribution warehouses near the port, including Amazon and FedEx, one analyst noted in a tweet on X.  

Even so, some analysts predict only a minimal impact on the movement of goods up and down the East Coast from the bridge collapse.

Baltimore’s port holds just 4% of all East Coast trade volume, according to S&P Global. New York’s port, by contrast, does 38% of that business.

Yet, the port offers the deepest harbor in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, is closer to the Midwest than any other East Coast port, and is within an overnight drive of one-third of the US population, according to the port website .

The port boasts five public and 12 private terminals. In 2023, it ranked first in the nation in handling automobiles and light trucks. 

“For the American consumer, the biggest impact will be felt in terms of imported motor vehicles,” said Jason Miller, a business professor at Michigan State University. If sales remain strong, he said, “we could see inventories drop on the lots of dealers that sell imported vehicles until alternative arrangements can be made. This could increase motor vehicle prices for some makes and models.”

Alternate routes around collapsed Baltimore bridge

The Maryland Transportation Authority was suggesting drivers take Interstate 95 or Interstate 895 as alternatives to the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge along Interstate 695.

“I-695 Outer Loop closed at MD 10 (exit 2) and Inner Loop closed at MD 157/Peninsula Exp (exit 43),” MDTA said in a post on X.

Drivers could take several other, longer routes around Baltimore, but I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) and I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) are the most direct alternatives across the water.

There are few exceptions.

MDTA notes, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel.

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

How cold is the Patapsco River?

The Patapsco River is about 50 feet deep where the ship hit the bridge, officials said during a press conference Tuesday morning. Part of the 39-mile river helps form the Baltimore Harbor, just northwest of the bridge collapse, and it flows out to the Chesapeake Bay.

A buoy in the Patapsco River indicated the water temperature Tuesday morning was currently about 47 degrees, while the air is around 41 degrees, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Whereas hypothermia is thought to occur at very cold temperatures, it can occur in waters below 70 degrees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Key Bridge collapse draws comparisons to Florida's Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse

In 1980, a Florida bridge also collapsed after a ship collided with it, leading to the deaths of 35 motorists and bus passengers.

A 1,200-foot chunk of the Sunshine Skyway bridge – which connects St. Petersburg and Bradenton – collapsed after the massive Summit Venture freighter slammed into one of its central support piers.

When the section of the bridge fell into Tampa Bay, it took a truck, seven cars and a Greyhound bus with it.

The Herald-Tribune, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported the crash happened during an intense thunderstorm , with winds reaching 80 mph and heavy rain. At the time, visibility was near-zero, according to local historians who made a documentary film about the collapse.

After the collapse, the freighter remained stuck beneath the bridge, with part of the roadway on top of its bow. Photos from the time also show how one motorist was able to skip his car to a stop just inches away from where the bridge fell into the water.

-Claire Thornton

How vital is the Francis Scott Key Bridge?

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named for the author of the "Star Spangled Banner," is a 1.6-mile, 4-lane bridge that crosses over the Patapsco River, according to the MDTA. It opened in 1977.

The port’s private and public terminals handled 847,158 autos and light trucks in 2023, the most of any U.S. port. The port also handles farm and construction machinery, sugar, gypsum and coal, according to a Maryland government website.

The span is the outermost of three major Patapsco River crossings at Baltimore Harbor, according to the American Civil Engineering Society. The steel-arched bridge, with a total length of 8,636 feet, was the second-longest continuous-truss bridge span in the world when it was built and remains the second longest in the United States and third in the world, according to the society .

Contributing: Reuters; Tom Vanden Brook, Eduardo Cuevas , USA TODAY

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At least 6 people unaccounted for after cargo ship crash levels Baltimore bridge

BALTIMORE — A major Baltimore bridge collapsed like a house of cards early Tuesday morning after it was struck by a container ship, sending several vehicles plunging into the dark water below, sparking an intense search for survivors and shutting down one of the nation's busiest ports.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and said the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was most likely the result of an accident and not an act of terrorism.

"Our state is in shock," the governor said.

Follow live updates here

Moore said the cargo ship Dali notified authorities that it had lost power and issued a mayday moments before the 984-foot vessel slammed into a bridge support at a speed of eight knots, which is about nine miles per hour.

Meanwhile, rescue crews using sonar detected at least five vehicles in the frigid 50-foot-deep water, including three passengers cars, a cement truck and another vehicle of some kind, Moore said. Authorities do not believe anyone was inside the vehicles.

An unknown number of workers were doing repairs on the bridge when the ship hit a support pillar, and at least six people were still believed to be missing, Moore said.

"This is still, very much, a search and rescue mission," he said during an afternoon news conference flanked by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md.

An 'active search-and-rescue posture'

Earlier, two workers were rescued from the water, Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said.

One was in good condition and refused treatment, Wallace said. The other was seriously injured and was being treated in a trauma center.

Moore said there might be drivers in the water were it not for the “folks” who, upon hearing the mayday, blocked off the bridge and kept other cars from crossing.

“These people are heroes,” Moore said. “They saved lives. They saved lives.”

Nearly eight years ago, the Dali was involved in another collision. In July 2016, the ship collided with a quay at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, damaging the quay.

The nautical commission investigated the accident, but the details of the probe were not immediately clear Tuesday.

The Dali is operated and managed by a company called Synergy Group. In a statement, the company said two port pilots were at the helm of the Dali at the time of Tuesday's crash and that all 22 crew members onboard were accounted for.

The bridge, which is about a mile-and-a-half long and carries Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River southeast of Baltimore, was "fully up to code," Moore said.

A 24-person team of National Transportation Safety Board investigators was already at the crash site.

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said that her agency will lead the investigation into the cause of the bridge collapse. She said a data recorder on board the ship could provide more information about what happened.

"But right now we're focusing on the people, on the families," she said. "The rest can wait."

President Joe Biden vowed to rebuild the bridge and send federal funds.

"This is going to take some time," Biden warned. "The people of Baltimore can count on us though to stick with them, at every step of the way, till the port is reopened and the bridge is rebuilt."

Speaking in Baltimore, Buttigieg echoed the president's promise.

"This is no ordinary bridge," he said. "This is one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure."

But Buttigieg warned replacing the bridge and reopening the port will take time, cost money, and could affect supply chains.

The Port of Baltimore is the 11th largest in the U.S. and the busiest port for car imports and exports, handling more than 750,000 vehicles in 2023 alone, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration.

The Dali was chartered by Danish shipping giant Maersk, which said it will have no choice but to send its ships to other nearby ports with the Port of Baltimore closed.

Writer David Simon, a champion of Baltimore who set his TV crime drama "The Wire" on the streets of the city he once covered as a reporter, warned online that the people who will suffer the most are those whose livelihoods depend on the port.

"Thinking first of the people on the bridge," Simon posted on X . "But the mind wanders to a port city strangling. All the people who rely on ships in and out."

Timeline of crash

Dramatic video captured the moment at 1:28 a.m. Tuesday when the Dali struck a support and sent the bridge tumbling into the water. A livestream showed cars and trucks on the bridge just before the collision. The ship did not sink and its lights remained on.

Investigators, in a timeline, said the Dali's lights suddenly shut off four minutes earlier before coming back on and then, at 1:25 a.m. dark black smoke began billowing from the ship's chimney.

A minute later, at 1:26 a.m., the ship appeared to turn. And in the minutes before it slammed into the support, the lights flicked off and on again.

Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said the workers on the bridge were repairing concrete ducts when the ship crashed into the structure.

They were employed by Brawner Builders Inc. And at least seven workers were pouring concrete to fix potholes on the roadway on the bridge directly above where the ship hit, a foreman named James Krutzfeldt said.

Krutzfeldt, who was not working on that job, said one of the missing is another foreman whom he considers his mentor and “work dad.”

"I'm still kind of in shock," he said.

Earlier, the U.S. Coast Guard said it had received a report that a “motor vessel made impact with the bridge” and confirmed it was the Dali, a container ship sailing under a Singaporean flag that was heading for Sri Lanka.

Bobby Haines, who lives in Dundalk in Baltimore County, said he felt the impact of the bridge collapse from his house nearby.

"I woke up at 1:30 this morning and my house shook and I was freaking out," he said. "I thought it was an earthquake and to find out it was a bridge is really, really scary."

Families of bridge workers wait for updates

A group of people who said they were relatives of the Brawner construction workers gathered at a Royal Farms convenience store near the entrance of the bridge. Together, they waited for word of their missing loved ones.

Marian Del Carmen Castellon told Telemundo her 49-year-old husband, Miguel Luna, is among the missing.

“They only tell us that we have to wait and that they can’t give us information,” she said.

Asked how she was holding up, Castellon said, "Devastated, devastated because our heart is broken, because we don’t know how they have been rescued yet. We are just waiting for the news."

Luna's co-worker Jesús Campos said he felt crushed, too.

“It hurts my heart to see what is happening. We are human beings and they are my folks,” he said.

Campos told The Baltimore Banner that the missing men are from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.

Some of the construction workers who still haven't been found recently had babies, Earl Schneider, a structural foreman with the company, said. 

“I know everybody on that crew personally," Schneider told NBC News. "They’re all great people. It’s tough. It’s been a rough morning.”

Earlier, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott urged his constituents to pray for the missing workers — and the first responders struggling to locate them.

"This is an unthinkable tragedy," Scott said.

'A long road in front of us'

Built in 1977 and referred to locally as the Key Bridge, the structure was later named after the author of the American national anthem.

The bridge is more than 8,500 feet long, or 1.2 miles. Its main section spans 1,200 feet and was one of the longest continuous truss bridges in the world upon its completion, according to the National Steel Bridge Alliance .

About 31,000 vehicles a day use the bridge, which equals 11.3 million vehicles per year, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

The river and the Port of Baltimore are both key to the shipping industry on the East Coast, generating more than $3.3 billion a year and directly employing more than 15,000 people.

Asked what people in Baltimore can expect going forward, the state's transportation secretary said it is too early to tell.

"Obviously we reached out to a number of engineering companies, so obviously we have a long road in front of us," Wiedefeld said.

Julia Jester reported from Baltimore, Patrick Smith from London and Corky Siemaszko from New York City.

Julia Jester is a producer for NBC News based in Washington, D.C.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Baltimore bridge collapse latest: Satellite images reveal scale of bridge damage; ship issued mayday call before crash

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has collapsed after a cargo ship collided with it following a loss of power. Two people have been pulled from the water, with six still missing. They're believed to be construction workers.

Tuesday 26 March 2024 21:14, UK

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• Major bridge collapses in Baltimore after being struck by a cargo ship
• Six people still missing as two pulled from water
• Ship issued mayday before crash | Vessel appeared to lose power and start smoking
• Video of collapse | Satellite images reveal scale of damage
• Dali vessel involved in separate incident in 2016
• What is this bridge?
• Watch a special edition of World programme on Sky News in the stream above 
• Live reporting by Jess Sharp and (earlier)  Katie Williams

One person involved in the Baltimore bridge collapse has been discharged from hospital, an official at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Centre has told AP. 

Dr David Efron did not comment on the nature of the patient's injuries, and the hospital has not released their name. 

Eight people were initially reported missing after the collapse. 

Two people have been found - one was said to have serious injuries, while the other did not require hospital treatment. 

Search and rescue operations are continuing this evening to find the six construction workers still missing. 

The US transportation secretary has said the path to rebuilding the collapsed Baltimore bridge will not be quick or easy. 

Pete Buttigieg described the bridge as "one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure". 

"It has been part of the skyline for this region for longer than many of us have been alive," he said.

He has also taken the time to thank first responders and offered comfort to those "who woke up today to the news that no one wants to receive". 

"This is an excruciating day for several families," he said. 

Clearer satellite images have emerged of the moment the Dali container ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The vessel crashed into the structure after issuing a mayday call and losing power.

Earlier, Maryland governor Wes Moore said the ship was travelling at a speed of eight knots at the time it sent out its distress call.

Within minutes of departure, the faltering container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Here is a timeline of the Singapore-flagged vessel's collision, in local time (four hours behind British time).

1.04am: Loaded with shipping containers, Dali departs from Baltimore's port, heading to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

1.24am: Dali slowly approaches the Key Bridge, according to video captured by StreamTime Live.

1.24am and 33 seconds: The ship appears to suffer a total power failure as all its lights go out.

1.25am and 31 seconds: About a minute later, the ship's lights flicker back on. Black smoke starts rising from somewhere aboard the ship.

1.26am and 37 seconds: The ship's lights go dark again.

1.27am: Dali appears to be colliding with one of the Key Bridge's piers. The US Coast Guard receives the first report of a collision.

1.27am and 10 seconds: The ship's lights come back on.

1.28am and 48 seconds: The roadway of the Key Bridge begins collapsing.

1.29am: Most of the bridge's span has plunged beneath the water.

1.40am: Baltimore City Fire Department has dispatched rescue teams for the Patapsco River, with reports of multiple people in the water.

1.50am: The first fire unit arrives on the scene.

A video has emerged showing the moment the Francis Scott Key Bridge was hit. 

The clip, which was posted on TikTok, gives a closer look at the moment the Dali container ship lost power and rammed into the bridge. 

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge is "going to block Baltimore from operating for some time", according to a shipping data expert. 

Richard Meade, the editor of Lloyd's List, told Sky News that diversions are already taking place with "huge insurance implications", as companies and authorities consider how to divert trade into other ports. 

"There are going to be implications in terms of what the eastern seaboard of the US now does to rearrange its logistics in order to account for this, because this is not going to be resolved in a quick manner," he said. 

Such diversions will push up costs, he added.

The need to rebuild quickly is going to bring the cost to at least 10 times the original 1970s price of around $60m, according to David MacKenzie, chair of engineering and architecture consultancy COWIfonden.

"It's got to be built quickly because you've heard of the pressure on the commuter traffic," he said.

"So it is going to be an expensive rebuild at the end of the day."

You can read more on this story here ...

The governor of Maryland is giving an update on the Baltimore bridge collapse. 

Wes Moore says teams are looking at the damage caused by the crash and "everyone has raised their hands to serve". 

"This is very much still a search and rescue mission. We are still actively looking for survivors," he adds. 

He explains that air, land and sea resources have been deployed to help in the search. 

"There is not a single resource that we will hold off on deploying," he says. 

A team of divers has not yet been able to enter the Patapsco River due to an "abundance of twisted metal" in the water, a local official has said. 

Underwater drones have revealed the extent of the debris from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, Angela Alsobrooks, county executive for Prince George's County in Maryland, wrote on X. 

She explained the situation made it unsafe for divers to enter, and the team is still on standby. 

The county has sent nine divers and two boats from its police unit to help the search and rescue effort. 

A major bridge has collapsed in the US city of Baltimore after it was hit by a cargo ship in what the city's fire department has called a "dire emergency".

Rescue teams are searching the water by the fallen Francis Scott Key Bridge for casualties, with eight people thought to have fallen in, according to the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD).

Two people have been rescued from the water and one is in a "very serious condition", said BCFD chief James Wallace.

Emergency responders are still searching for six people in the water who are believed to be part of a construction crew that was repairing potholes on the bridge, the Maryland Department of Transportation has said.

Here's what we know so far...

The shipping company that chartered the Dali vessel is "working closely" with its owner, it has said on X. 

Maersk said it is also offering its full support to authorities investigating the situation. 

Earlier, the Danish company said it would be removing Baltimore Port from all its services until it is "deemed safe for passage". 

The Singapore-flagged Dali was set to depart Baltimore early this morning and arrive at Colombo on 22 April, according to a schedule on Maersk's website.

The vessel is owned by Singapore's Grace Ocean Pte, according to LSEG data, and managed by Synergy Marine Group.

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