Catastrophic Anchor Drop Failures Caught on Camera

What Ive learned from videos like these is one consistent thing, no matter where it happens or who it involves the reaction of "WTF?" is universal.

I was in the US Navy and was told that if an anchor gets loose, get out of the way and let it go.

I was aboard a Navy Fleet Oiler AO105 Mispillion when we dropped anchor offshore of So. California. The anchor chain evidently had been in the chain locker for a while because it was covered with what looked like dry green moss which flew in a cloud around the chain as it snaked across the deck in rapid coiling motion so loud I could not hear anything else and I was 25-30 feet behind it watching from a gun tub. I looked like it was moving 50+ MPH as the fog of moss was obscuring the links. I would characterize it as a frightful violent happening and was very happy that I was as far back as I was.

FYI, the Navy ship anchor mishap did not "almost take out" anyone, much less the entire crew.

I've seen other anchor dropping failure videos, but this one is by far the best. Thanks for doing such a great job as to why chain brakes fail. I've even learned about the anchor chains just watching this very informative video.

Can you imagine all of the things that are on the bottom of the ocean?

I would think one of the first lessons in tugboat captain school would be "don't push on the ship directly under the ANCHOR".

Cameraman never dies.

4:44 Lucky bastard!

Bless those who put out to sea. I keep you all in my prayers. I wish you calm seas and good fortune 🌹⚓

Nice vid❤

The winch that the chain wraps around was called a "wildcat" when I stood sea and anchor detail in the '70's.

At least two of my seven ships had anchor problems. In 1972 while on USS Floyd B. Parks DD-884 a split link came undone as it was going around the windless. We were able to refasten the link. In 1981, just before commissioning, USS Acadia AD-42 lost her anchor.

Je suis enthousiasmé par la poésie de vos commentaires ! Mille mercis Michel Balat, Canet en Roussillon, catalogne, France

Are these brake failures or operating errors like releasing brake too much anchor falling too fast and not being able to slow it back down?

Not bad ⚡️

The aliens stealing our steel

In just about any Navy, the world over, losing your anchor is viewed as a major embarrassment. The USS Saratoga (CV-60) lost hers, once, in the Dardanelle Straits.

that first one? even when the anchor hits bottom the chain is not going to stop due to both weight and momentum of the chain

Story 6; I counted 6 shots after failure, and then I couldn't see the chain. Looks like someone's in some BIG trouble