Question 3514 Deck General

The correct answer is A) fatigue. Anchor chains are subjected to cyclic loading from the rise and fall of the tide, as well as the motion of the vessel. Over time, these repeated cycles of tension and relaxation can cause the metal in the chain to develop microscopic cracks, a process known as fatigue. If the fatigue damage accumulates, it can eventually lead to the complete failure and breaking of the anchor chain. The other answer choices are incorrect because: B) Corrosion affects the overall strength of the chain over a longer period, but does not directly cause sudden failure. C) Abrasion can wear down the chain, but is not the primary failure mechanism. D) Distortion may occur, but is a symptom of the fatigue process, not the root cause of the breakage.