Anthem of the Seas Resumes Cruising From Cape Liberty

   February 15, 2016 ,   Accidents

Anthem of the Seas resumed service from Bayonne, New Jersey's Cape Liberty on February 13 (Saturday) evening following repairs to storm damage. The corporate account of the company tweeted that the ship had passed all safety tests and inspections and was safe and seaworthy.

Anthem cut short its previous cruise to Bahamas after getting caught in a severe storm on February 7 off Cape Hatteras. Four passengers sustained minor injuries. There was damage to staterooms and public areas. The cruise ship sailed back to Cape Liberty the night of February 10.

According to US Coast Guard, the storm had burned out all 4 clutches on the port Azipod and those were replaced, along with the ones on the starboard Azipod, as precautionary measure. Minor damage to lifeboats was addressed, as well.

Royal Caribbean faced criticism about sailing into the path of a known storm. The company apologized 'for exposing our guests and crew to the weather they faced, and for what they went through.' Royal Caribbean also stated that 'what happened this week showed that we need to do better' and that Anthem of the Seas had remained seaworthy throughout the accident.

Ship's flag-state, the Bahamas, and the US Coast Guard are investigating the case to learn how safety procedures could be improved.