Amazing Underwater Photos of an Anchor Swivel Failing

[noelex 77]

My mermaid took these photos and she has documented something I never thought I would see. An anchor swivel opening up and failing in real conditions.

This progression occurred over an hour and we both pleaded many times with the (I think) professional skipper to take some action. We managed to convince him to take a dive and see for himself, but he deemed it a problem to be solved after lunch.

The boat concerned was lucky to avoid going aground on the beach, although to the skipper's credit he got the engine started within a few seconds of our frantic shouting when the connection parted. Perhaps he was always confident he could do this, but it was a close shave. This is not like a normal drag, as without an anchor the boat will move very rapidly.

Anyway the pictures tell the story.

The message is that the detailed threads of CF about how to choose and connect swivels and shackles are not just intellectual masturbation from armchair sailors. These issues do matter in the real world. This incorrect choice and application of a swivel nearly resulted in severe damage to the boat.

Finally, if a mermaid swims over and expresses concern, listen to her even if you are a professional skipper. She may know much more than you think from her sleek exterior.

Boatie would have at least invited her on board for lunch .

[noelex 77]

Anchor swivel the day before:
This sort of side load, also a photo from the day before, probably contributed to the problem:

[noelex 77]

The swivel gradually parting underwater:

[Emmalina]

Wow crevice corrosion at its best!

[noelex 77]

The boat after the break. They came close to grounding, have a look at the line of sand churned up by their prop when they were at their shallowest point about boat length further back than the photo, which was taken when they had things under control and were motoring forward. (I have obscured the boat name and details)

[Sos]

You can see the corrosion in the first picture. Surprised it hadn't been spotted before. Mind you when you keep looking at the same thing and it still works it is easy to assume it is ok.
Wouldn't two shakles have done the same job?

[Jim Cate]

Talk about opportunistic photography! Well done the mermaid!

I doubt if such photos have ever before been made, and no skipper has ever before earned the dickhead of the year award so convincingly.

Astonishing...

Jim

[JPA Cate]

Other signs of neglect, as well: the rust on anchor (under the paint) and on the chain.

Noelex, the mermaid with whom you are affiliated got some great pics there!

Ann

[monte]

amazingly dodgy ground tackle setup ! I think this guy needs to visit a chandler and invest in some new safety gear!

[robert sailor]

Well done! Once in a lifetime pic's.

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

My mermaid took these photos and she has documented something I never thought I would see. An anchor swivel opening up and failing in real conditions.

This progression occurred over an hour and we both pleaded many times with the (I think) professional skipper to take some action. We managed to convince him to take a dive and see for himself, but he deemed it a problem to be solved after lunch.

Well at least he was only waiting until after lunch and not after he took his nap! Great work and photos but, when is that anchor and Mermaid calender coming out?

[MarkJ]

Anne, I think its disgusting Jim throws you overboard with the camera every time he wants a photos. But they are excellent photos!!! Really good. So I would throw you over too

Get photos. I never would have believed someone could have snapped
them while it happened.



MARK

[valhalla360]

Very interesting.

What caught my attention is the swivel itself didn't fail. A shackle could have failed in the exact same maner.

[transmitterdan]

Nice pics!

It's hard to be certain but the swivel looks like stainless steel. Pretty does not equal safe.

You guys need to attend an AA meeting this week

[Sos]

Anything will fail with enough corrosion.

The weak point in the whole setup looks like the much smaller shackle
connecting the chain to the swivel.

As a matter of interest, what were the weather conditions that caused it to fail. Would you consider it high a loading?