I'm sure the reports of, "ran out of gas" really applies to the diesel auxiliary. I guess they had their engine on trying to take the load off the anchor? Or maybe the fuel filters just got jammed with the crud being stirred-up.

We were in Newport Harbor (RI, USA) many years ago which a tropical storm brushed off the end of Cape Cod. The boat felt like it was beating when it was tacking on the big moorring. You had to hold on while it went from one tack to the other. That was in a sheltered place. Getting on and off of the water taxi was an experience.