Towline

A towline is a strong rope, cable, or chain used to pull or haul a vessel, vehicle, or object through water or over land. It is typically attached to the object being towed and to the towing vessel or vehicle. The towline must withstand significant tensile stress, often under adverse conditions such as strong currents or heavy loads. The length and strength of the towline are crucial factors, influencing the efficiency and safety of the towing operation. The quality of the towline affects the speed and maneuverability of a vessel. Proper attachment points and techniques are essential to avoid breakage or entanglement.

Towline meaning with examples

• The disabled sailboat signaled for help, and the Coast Guard deployed a robust towline. The rescue boat carefully maneuvered to the sailboat, securing the towline with a bowline knot. The sailboat was then slowly and steadily towed to safety, demonstrating effective seamanship.
• A stranded car on the highway required a tow truck, which connected its winch to the car with a thick towline. The driver watched anxiously as the truck winched the car onto its flatbed trailer, ensuring the towline didn't snap under the strain.
• During an underwater archaeological survey, researchers used a towline to pull a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) across the seabed. The ROV, with its cameras and instruments, mapped the area while safely tethered to the research vessel by the towline.
• A barge laden with cargo utilized multiple heavy-duty towlines connected to a powerful tugboat to navigate through the busy shipping lanes of the river. This operation involved careful coordination between the tugboat captain and barge operators to maintain a steady course.