Runaway Anchor

9/12/23: Due to the comments, I think a better description is warranted for the vid. This was an anchoring evolution near Panama. Only three shots (270') were supposed to go out but there were issues with the brake not setting. We ended up sending out around six hundred feet before resolving the issue. When the chain turns red, that means there's only 90' left (one shot) so this was only a few feet of chain short of a disaster. In our lexicon, "runaway anchor" is one that is out of control - as in this situation. Also, the guy up front is standing at parade rest waiting to hear a whistle letting him know to raise the union jack signaling that we are anchored. I was the safety officer (white hard hat) and thought these guys did great handling the situation. This was the USCGC DILIGENCE (WMEC 616) February 2018. Video credit to the ship's engineer officer who set up the shot.

[Hurst]

The guy in the front at parade rest, with back turned, is a trusting soul!
There is NO way all of that would have taken place behind me without looking

[matthewortenzio]

that was the safest runaway anchor I've ever seen !

[royallclark]

When I was in Vietnam, I was on the Hospital ship USS Repose AH-16, We lost both of our anchors with in about 2 week time. The first one was a runaway and pulled out part of the bulkhead anchor point and the second anchor had the flukes brake off! It was speculated that the fluke broke off due to hitting the first anchor while searching for it! Should have seen the skippers face! This was about December 1969.

[Skylab._]

To the bitter end is actually a sailors phrase whilst anchoring it means letting go of the chains or rope until its end, plus the end part of an anchor chain connected to the ship is called the bitter end.

[johnhartley]

Looks like a city work crew. One dude working, five supervisors

[tomoakhill]

There is a well-known phrase "drop anchor" this is what is meant. A runaway anchor is when the chain runs to its end, and continues going. You hear an almight crash, and the broken end of the chain runs off the ship. The chain is lost forever.

[QueLastima]

"There was supposed to be an earth shattering kaboom..."

[mysockC]

Now _that_ is a conscientious crew. They're all getting ready to book if the thing doesn't stop and the one guy who will actually be killed by it? Nah, he'll be fine... 🤫

[michaelmcelwain]

All this technology we have and still beating on stuff with a sledge

[larryslemp]

It didn't run away!!
It did exactly as required!!

[cracker]

Thats why you use the windlass to lower the anchor to the water's edge first. # 1 You would have already released the Devil Claw that wasn't under stress, #2 Most likely the chain wouldn't have got stuck on the riding pawl, Thus no need to hit the chain with a sledgehammer and be in the danger zone. #3 You would have known the brake was going to work, for you would have had to apply the brake To hang the anchor and disengage the wildcat for the rest of the drop. USMM 40Years Retired.

[justsayingforafriend]

What the Hell????
You have yellow shot run out your Red shot is running...You retreat and leave the Jackstaff guy to Die when the reading ring brakes... Wow... I'd kick all your asses... BM1(SW/AW) USN (ret.)

[josephhobbs]

I don't know if this is a Coast Guard Cutter or not it looks like one! As I am an X coastievietnam-era! But whenever we dropped anchor we had a fire hose on him and and obviously that break was not working right that came so close to a full right away that scary! The person in control on the deck definitely that know how to handle the sledgehammer and you don't beat on it at the entrance into the anchor Haws! Is Sumac the breakdown on The Windlass!

[Trash-Point]

Someone tell me why I put my hand up and started counting with them? 😂

[Bobdog-cfdn]

I was a young Shipfitter on a Naval Ship. I ran the winches and brakes many times on the bow. It was good duty and very exciting. Each chain link on my ship weighed 50 pounds. Once we mess the sea shelf with the anchor and almost lost it. The winch and smoking rope was more dangerous than dropping the Anchor. Once we drop both anchor then let out chain and back in to a big strong pier. We took heavy steal rope off the stern to the pier. After doubling up on the stern line we got up on the anchors and made a dock out of the ship .

[PL]

I thought the guy at the bow was a dummy until he eventually turned

[christinebonner]

You only get scairt during a real runaway when the red shot comes flying out.

[RhiannonFan]

There used to be a popular joke in the UK that started "How many men does it take to change a light bulb"

[BigChungus-zgzw]

Can you imagine the total weight of chain hanging off the end at that point?

[astrobookwormsinger]

Past the warning shot and stopped mid-danger shot. Incredibly close!