What could happen if a vessel at anchor fails to display proper lights?

When a vessel is at anchor, it is required to display specific lights to ensure it is visible to other vessels navigating in the area. Properly functioning anchor lights are crucial for safety; they indicate that the vessel is not underway and help prevent accidental collisions with passing boats. If a vessel at anchor fails to display these lights, there is a heightened risk of it being undetected by other vessels, especially in low visibility conditions such as at night or during inclement weather. This lack of visibility can lead to collisions, jeopardizing the safety of the vessel itself and other nearby vessels. Therefore, the answer that indicates a potential collision arising from not having proper lights is accurate because it emphasizes the importance of visibility on the water for safe navigation.