On August 9, 2018, about 2030 local time, the main boom on the crane barge Atlantic Giant II failed while moving a section of a vessel being dismantled in the Brownsville Ship Channel in Brownsville, Texas. The load and crane boom subsequently fell into the harbor. Two shipyard employees working on the barge were injured, as well as a third on board an assisting tugboat. No pollution was reported. Damage to the barge and crane amounted to an estimated $6.4 million.

​​The probable cause of the boomfailure aboard the crane barge Atlantic Giant II was the decision by South Coast Maritime and SteelCoast to continue with a lift that exceeded the planned weight without conducting additional risk assessments for the continuation of work as the crane neared its maximum capacity.

​​Dynamic Risk Assessment

Unplanned changes to work plans can move operations incrementally toward states of higher risk. Dynamic risk assessment requires that work stop when new hazards are identified, the situation is evaluated, and action is taken to control the added risks. Vessel operators should ensure crews at all levels of the organization have the authority and/or obligation to stop work when such hazards are identified.​