The hardest was the situation on the Volga in September 1942 , when the Nazis broke Stalingrad - began the bloodiest battle in the history of mankind. Heavy and demanding burden then fell to the share of Astrakhan sailors. In mortal combat with the enemy were killed , many boats and ships , thousands of people . The monument consists of two large anchors with chains that are standing upright , leaning on each other, on a large round pedestal . Anchored on both sides mounted boards with the inscription: " In memory of the fallen ships 1942 " inscription flanked by two gold sprigs on top of the shield is a five-pointed star.