The correct answer is B) the flukes will break free of the bottom. When the shank of a Baldt Stockless anchor that is set on the bottom is lifted, it causes the flukes to disengage from the seabed, breaking their grip on the bottom. This reduces the anchor's holding power, as the flukes are no longer securely embedded in the seafloor. The other options are incorrect because: A) lifting the shank would not cause the flukes to dig deeper, as that would require the anchor to be pushed further into the bottom; C) and D) lifting the shank would increase, not decrease, the probability of the anchor chain becoming fouled, as the flukes are no longer secured in the bottom.