An elongate shank has a trailing end adapted to be secured to an anchor. A slide sleeve ensleeves the shank, is slideable along its extent, and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A leading end of the shank is capped to prevent slide sleeve disengagement. A radially extending apertured tab is secured to the slide sleeve. A continuous loop member adapted to be engaged by an anchor chain extends through the aperture. A vessel operator places tension on the anchor chain and passes over the anchor. The slide sleeve rotates about the longitudinal axis of the shank and slides along the length of the shank until stopped by the cap. The shank rotates to follow the path of travel of the vessel and the anchor is released from any obstacle to which it may be engaged.