An anchor refers to a nautical or marine equipment intended to restrict vehicle or structural movement in the water. Anchors achieve their purpose by either using their weight to hold structures in place, clamping on to the bed of the waterbody, or using a combination of both these techniques.
In addition, anchors can also act as drogues (positive drag mechanism) for ships and other such vessels during storms. They provide a restoring drag that keeps the vessel stable and steady
https://www.marineinsight.com/naval-architecture/a-guide-to-types-of-anchors/