​On March 6, 2022 the towing vessel Robert Cenac was transiting the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, in Houma, Louisiana, pushing ahead the crane barge Mr. Dawg and another deck barge. While passing beneath the Houma Twin Span Bridges, the crane aboard Mr. Dawg contacted the eastbound span of the bridge. Eastbound automobile bridge traffic was reduced from two lanes to one for 10 days. No pollution or injuries were reported. Damage to the bridge was estimated at $1.5 to $2.0 million.

​We determined that the probable cause of contact of the Robert Cenac tow with the Houma Twin Span Bridge was the tow captain’s incorrect estimate of the crane boom height and his decision to depart before getting a confirmed height from the crane barge owner. Contributing to the incident was the crane barge owner not providing the accurate air draft information to the tow company.