Rocket

Although it is very rare, tow wires can break and this won?t happen under the most favourable circumstances. A new connection with the tow must be established. Normally, we make this connection on our aft deck but when this is too dangerous or impossible because of the weather, we use rockets. They look like small bazooka?s and as far as I am concerned; they are small bazooka?s. Very powerful and very dangerous if not handed properly. We use them to shoot a small line to our drifting tow. Connected to this line is a bigger line, and again a bigger line and in the end; our spare towwire. Finally, and in this sequence, the crew of our tow will be able to heave in our heavy towwire to their deck and connect it to a strong point. Sounds easy, but it is a very difficult and hazardous operation for all deck crewmembers. On this picture you can see the rocket taking off. A white piece of rag is connected instead of a line. Just to give the rocket some counterweight to take off properly and maintain heading.