BAYONNE, N.J. (AP) – The Coast Guard is inspecting a cruise ship that was battered and damaged by an intense winter storm to determine if it can sail. Coast Guard spokesman Charles Rowe says inspectors on Friday are examining part of the Anthem of the Seas’ propulsion system that had to be replaced. The left azipod was rendered inoperable during the storm, which packed hurricane-force winds and wave heights of 30 feet. An azipod is a propeller that’s mounted to a steerable pod that contains an electric motor. Rowe says that, along with safety equipment and doors and windows that were damaged, must meet standards before the vessel can sail as scheduled on Saturday. The 1,141-foot ship returned early to its homeport of Bayonne on Wednesday night with 4,500 passengers and 1,600 crew members.
