Cut the Anchor Line!

Most will remember that Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, NFL free agent Corey Smith and former University of South Florida players William Bleakley and Nick Schuyler went overboard February 28 during a fishing trip while aboard a 21 foot fishing boat in the Gulf of Mexico. Sadly, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Game Conservation Commission report indicates that the cause of this tragic accident was a combination of improper anchoring and risky attempts to free the anchor.

By "improper anchoring" I assume they were citing both the failure to properly anchor the boat-end of the line to the bow of the vessel as well as failing pay out enough anchor line (known as "rode") to allow the vessel to "swing" on the anchor. A short anchor line set during calm conditions can result in the boat actually being pulled underwater on wave crests if the weather turns foul.

After several attempt to free the anchor by pulling on the anchor line they then decided to try and rev the boat's powerful engine. However, since the anchor was cleated to the portside bracket the portside of the vessel was simply pulled under, which caused the vessel to capsize.

Sadly, this could have all been prevented had the young men been schooled in proper boat handling. While hindsight is always 20/20 and without knowing the composition of the anchor line, if I assume that the anchor line was rope or cord instead of cable or chain, I am surprised that they didn't simply cut the line to escape. In my years of boating with my father we had to cut loose two anchors that would not release. I remember my father cussing a blue streak as he cut the anchor rope. Anchors are expensive. But they aren't that expensive.

A 21 foot craft on a large body of water is always a little risky. Storms can quickly boil up that produce swells that are taller than the length of the boat. Had the victims performed the task of setting their anchor perfectly there is still a chance that tragedy would claim their lives. However, good boating education and practices could very well have been the difference between life and death in this unfortunate scenario. It is truly a tragedy that a device designed to make a vessel safer (when used properly) is likely the reason for the loss of Marquis, Corey and William on that fateful day.