The lone survivor said they were trying to pull up anchor when they got hit by a side wave... I suspect the anchor was in mud and they were all trying to pull it up.. four large guys all on one side of the boat at the same time would have made the boat very easy to send turtle... very sad... even though it was only 21 feet it was a boat built with the higher sides which can sometimes give a sense of security and taking chances.
I hadn’t thought of that but its likely you are correct. Better to cut the rope.
I don't like the idea of giving the FWC another way to right you a ticket, but people who don't have the foggiest idea about boating go out and kill themselves or others far too often.
The concept of right of way and the proper procedure for retrieving an anchor are things that people have no business out on the water without knowing.