What could be a serious consequence of anchoring a boat from the stern?

Anchoring a boat from the stern can lead to the serious consequence of swamping. This can happen because when a boat is anchored from the rear, it may not sit evenly in the water and can cause the bow to rise. If waves come from the front, the boat can take water over the stern, leading to swamping. This situation is particularly dangerous in rough water conditions, where the boat is more likely to be overwhelmed by waves. Proper anchoring techniques involve securing the anchor from the bow to ensure stability and maintain the boat's orientation against oncoming waves, thereby reducing the risk of swamping.