How To Deal with Dragging Anchor When A Typhoon Is Approaching?

What is dragging anchor?

Dragging anchor refers to the situation where a ship, while anchored, experiences a shift in its anchor position due to external forces such as wind, current, and waves. This causes the anchor to move on the seabed, and consequently, the ship's position shifts. When the anchor can no longer firmly hold the ship in place, allowing it to drift with the current, dragging anchor occurs. Improper handling can easily lead to accidents such as collisions, grounding, and environmental pollution.

Factors causing anchor dragging:

• Bottom sediment and topography

• Wind and current

• Improper operation

Methods for determining if anchor is dragging:

1. Frequently check the ship's position: 

Utilize high-precision positioning methods such as radar, GPS, and BeiDou to frequently check the ship's position to detect dragging anchor promptly. Changes in relative bearing can also help determine if anchor is dragging.

2. Observe yaw: 

In strong winds, if an anchored ship continuously yaws from side to side, it indicates that the anchor's holding power is still resisting external forces, and the ship is not dragging anchor. If the yaw stops and the ship is only exposed to the wind at the anchor side, it can be determined that the anchor has dragged.

3. Pay attention to the anchor chain: 

During normal anchoring, the anchor chain often exhibits periodic tightening and loosening. If the anchor chain remains continuously taut or suddenly loosens, it indicates that anchor may be dragging. In this case, you can hear or feel the intermittent, violent shaking of the anchor chain.

Measures to deal with dragging anchor:

1. Immediately drop another anchor and secure it; this is the primary measure. Simultaneously, notify the engine room to prepare engines, inform the captain, and report to the maritime authorities.

2. Carefully loosen the anchor chain. Only loosen the chain to increase holding power if it is confirmed that the anchor has not capsized and loosening the chain will not cause grounding or collision with other vessels.

3. Move the engine to reduce stress on the anchor chain. Before the typhoon hits, the vessel should implement all necessary typhoon avoidance measures and conduct thorough checks on the condition of its equipment.

4. While taking the above measures, use all effective means to notify nearby vessels to take timely and effective measures. In the event of a dangerous situation, decisive and effective measures should be taken to avoid or minimize losses.

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