Yes, it sure looks like the crane is yanking it. I suspect that is not really how it works but this is a poor choice of video clip that makes it look like the whole concept is bogus.
no problem, just put a note on the end of the cable
that says
“if found, please pull, asap
Thank you,
US NAvy”
If you watch the full video clip, the crane is constantly pulling it forcing it to invert. The crane is still pulling once it starts to right it-self.
The better test would be to place the boat in a forced and static capsized position. Then release the tethers holding it in place. If it rights it self, I’ll believe it.
Maybe they wrap the crane cable around the boat to capsize it and this gives the appearance of the cable being tight when the boat is fully upside down ...?