It looks like the rope is wound tightly and cannot be cleared from on deck. If someone needs to go into the water to clear it, what must be done first?

A. It is fine to go into the water as long as the engine is simply left in neutral

B. Make absolutely certain the engine cannot start — switch it off, remove the key if there is one, and disconnect the kill cord if fitted; only a trained, confident swimmer should go in, wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid if practical, with someone else watching closely from the boat

C. Anyone can go in regardless of swimming ability, as long as they are quick about it

D. There is no need for anyone to watch from the boat while someone is in the water clearing the rope

A. This always means the engine has suffered a major internal failure needing a full rebuild

B. This pattern always means the fuel has run out completely

C. A sudden bang and slowdown like this is completely normal and needs no investigation

D. A rope, mooring line, or fender line has almost certainly wrapped around the propeller, jamming it or stalling the engine — this is one of the most common causes of a sudden loss of drive with this exact pattern of symptoms

A. Increase engine revs to try to cut through the rope with propeller speed

B. Ignore the engine entirely and focus only on the boat's position for several minutes

C. Put the engine into neutral and switch it off straight away — continuing to run the engine winds the rope tighter around the shaft and propeller, making the problem worse and risking damage to the shaft seal, stern gland, or gearbox

D. Keep the throttle open and try repeatedly going forward and reverse to "shake" the rope free