Drag

To move across the seabed because an anchor is no longer holding the vessel securely.

An anchor may drag because it has not set, the holding ground is poor, insufficient scope has been used, or wind, current and wave loads exceed the holding available. Dragging can be gradual and may not be obvious from the vessel’s motion alone.

Position, bearings, depth and electronic anchor alarms can all help detect unexpected movement. If the anchor drags, the crew must assess the available sea room and take timely action, which may include resetting the anchor, veering more cable when appropriate, using another anchor or getting underway.