( CNN ) -- A Holland America cruise ship was disrupted early Saturday morning by an intoxicated passenger who released the ship 's anchor , according to an affidavit obtained by The Smoking Gun website . California resident Rick Ehlert , 44 , released the anchor and a life buoy between 5:25 a.m. and 5:55 a.m. , according to the affidavit . The MS Ryndam was unharmed , but the release of the anchor could have caused `` significant damage to the ship 's rudder or propeller , which could disable the ship 's ability to maneuver , or puncturing of the ship , which could result in sinking or severe flooding , '' according to the affidavit . The ship was traveling from Costa Maya , Mexico , to Tampa , Florida . A surveillance video shows Ehlert taking multiple steps to deploy the anchor while the ship was in motion . The MS Ryndam 's maximum speed is 22 knots , which is approximately 25 mph , according to Holland America 's website . Ehlert confessed to dropping the ship 's anchor when questioned by special agents from the FBI . He admitted to being intoxicated at the time and detailed the multiple steps he took in deploying the anchor , including entering an area marked as off-limits to passengers . `` There is probable cause to believe on November 27 that Rick Ehlert did attempt to damage , destroy , disable , or wreck a vessel , '' FBI agent John Manning stated in the affidavit . Ehlert was arrested Sunday on a felony charge and taken into custody . He has not yet hired an attorney , according to the office of the magistrate who is handling the case .
An intoxicated sailor on a Holland America Line ship dropped the ship 's anchor . The ship was unharmed , but the release of the anchor could have ultimately sunk the ship . Rick Ehlert , 44 , confessed to dropping the anchor and was taken into custody .