The Anthem of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, was forced to abandon it’s pleasure trip and return to port in New Jersey after encountering a brutal storm. The cruise line released the following statement on Monday, February 8th, 2016:
“On Sunday, February 7, while sailing to Port Canaveral, Florida, Anthem of the Seas experienced extreme wind and sea conditions, with wind speeds higher than what was forecasted. In an abundance of caution, the captain asked all guests to stay in their stateroom until the weather improved. At this time there have not been any serious injuries reported. The ship has sustained some damage to the public areas and guest staterooms, which in no way affect the sea-worthiness of the ship.”
Over 6,000 people on board were forced to stay in their cabins while the ship was pummeled by waves bigger than most houses off the coast of the Carolinas. Despite terrible waves and wind speed in excess of 100 mph, the Anthem of the Seas was able to make the return trip without calling for assistance. Social media, however, allowed the Coast Guard to monitor the state of the ship from the passengers’ perspective.
Mark Barney of the US Coast Guard said,
After seeing pictures and people’s comments on Twitter and other social media platforms, the U.S. Coast Guard contacted the Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas to check in. The ship said that everything was fine, and no distress calls have been issued. The ship was caught in the storm off the shore of Charleston. There are 40 plus knot winds and large swells. The USCG will continue to monitor the situation.”
Some of the images revealing some of the damage caused by the storm were shared via twitter. Collapsed ceilings, upturned tables, and broken railings are shown below along with video of the massive waves rocking the ship.
3:10 PM Eastern time, the calm before the Hurricane.#anthemoftheseas #royalcarribean pic.twitter.com/YI7qXxTv4k
— Jacob Ibrag (@jaybrag) February 8, 2016
Storm Mars vs #AnthemoftheSeas. 160 mph wind. Shuttered into rooms since 4pm to weather the storm. #royalcarribbean pic.twitter.com/cfE4pSNoqz
— George Sycip (@GeorgeSycip) February 8, 2016
When your bf sends you the video when his cabin window became a washing machine #anthemoftheseas #50ftwaves #greek pic.twitter.com/fvsAYOwuVy
— Angelikoula (@angelgrk) February 8, 2016
UPDATE: @RoyalCaribbean #AnthemOfTheSeas reports 4 minor injuries & late to Port Canaveral https://t.co/IrTOVeSt6F pic.twitter.com/h4ermrYGeR
— Royal Caribbean Blog (@theRCLblog) February 8, 2016
Deck 14 needs some work… #anthemoftheaeas pic.twitter.com/oBn5Q862qs
— Greg (@flatgreg) February 8, 2016
Things are a little out of place #anthemoftheseas pic.twitter.com/Z3B4wfu0P8
— Greg (@flatgreg) February 8, 2016