The log anchor in Haugesund

A log anchor is a type of collapsible anchor, produced in various sizes, and it was the most common anchor used from the mid-19th century to around 1900. It was eventually replaced by the patent anchor, but many cane anchors were revived as moorings in harbours or used as ornaments.

This anchor is most likely to have been in service on a sailing ship in the 1800s. When the ship was decommissioned, what could be reused was salvaged. At the beginning of the 20th century, the anchor took on a new function here in Haugesund when it became part of an anchoring system in the harbour. At the time, Haugesund had a thriving shipbuilding industry and a large herring fleet, which created the need for a modern harbour. Smedasundet was dredged, quays were built and an extensive system of mooring buoys, chains and anchors was laid out on the seabed. This was one of the most modern harbours at the time. Even though the fishing fleet and shipyards are now based outside the harbour, Smedasundet is still the heart of Haugesund.

The anchor was found during registration of foreign species and waste in Smedasundet in September 2021. The discovery was made by divers under the pier of the Haugesund Motorboat Association on Hasseløy. Attached to the anchor was a chain that stretched south in the strait. The anchor is well preserved as only about 20 cm was visible, the rest was in under water.

The anchor is registered in the cultural heritage database Askeladden with ID 299094.

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