The term GRAPNEL is a combination of four words: HOOK, CLAW, ANCHOR, and GRAPPLE. A grapnel is a type of ANCHOR with multiple hooks or claws used to catch onto objects, such as the side of a boat or a rock on the sea floor. It is often used in marine salvage operations, where it is thrown from a boat and then dragged along the bottom of the sea to catch onto something. The hooks or claws can also be used to snag debris or other objects in the water.