A manually deployed grasping apparatus may be utilized for retrieving objects, such as rocks, concrete chunks and other debris, from vertical excavations such as potholes, boreholes, drilled shafts, etc. The system comprises a first and a second pair of bottom-anchored buoys located before or behind the production unit, as seen in the prevailing weather direction, and at a chosen distance from the production unit. Each resilient arm has at least one pressing portion extending downwards therefrom to press against the module body.