How would you free a fouled anchor?
You can’t let it go, how would you break the anchor? How would you secure the anchor to enable you to let it go?
Vessel may try to recover the anchor from different heading. Heave up the chain about 2/3 of released length, change heading, let go chain and try to heave it up. If this did not help, a diver team with a anchorhandling tug may help. AHTS has a powerful winch, great maneuverability and crew experienced in recovering anchors.
If vessel is unable to recover the anchor and has to depart shortly, release a bitter end of the anchor chain (from within Forecastle/Bosun store) and let it go.
Company (via Ship Manager/Fleet manager) should be informed prior the operation. Renewal of chain with anchor is expensive (~100000 USD in total costs).
All necessary precautions must be taken:
- carry out toolbox with deck crew and highlight risks involved
- let go chain away from cables/pipelines or other objects on the seabed
Anchor chains are attached to the plating of the chain lockers with their “bitter-ends”
