The description of the barge anchors evokes imagery of strange, ancient creatures, resembling enormous crustaceans that have long been abandoned by nature. These anchors, now half-buried and rusted, seem to cling to their environment, illustrating the persistence of objects even in decay. The setting emphasizes the tension between their past utility and current state, creating a vivid picture of neglect and transformation in a marine landscape.

The narrative continues with the salvage of the Dreadnought, indicating that while these heavy objects are firmly lodged in mud, they remain vulnerable to being freed by changing conditions. This detail highlights the fragility of their existence, where the steadfastness of the anchors can easily shift with the tides, suggesting a deeper commentary on the nature of permanence and impermanence within human-made and natural environments.