Abstract: The load hook provided for fixing to a dredging or excavating shovel or bucket has a hook body (1) surrounding an elongated hook space (2), whose axis (4) is inclined relative to a bearing surface (11) of a base part (5) provided on the hook body. A hook mouth (3) is directly linked to the base part (5) and is directly locked by a safety catch (6). Due to the inclined position of the axis (4) there is easy access to the hook mouth and base part (5) substantially forms part of the hook body (1).