​On January 8, 2024, about 1237 local time, the dry bulk carrier Chang Hang Hui Hai was moored at dock no. 12 in the Brownsville Ship Channel in Brownsville, Texas, when it broke free during high winds. The vessel drifted across the ship channel and struck the tugboat Signet Defender, which was tied up to the tugboat Signet Magic at the Signet Maritime pier along with the tugboat Signet Ranger. There were no injuries, and no pollution was reported. Damage was estimated at $2.5 million.   

​We determined that the probable cause of the breakaway of the dry bulk carrier Chang Hang Hui Hai from a dock and subsequent collision with the tugboat Signet Defender was the force of the wind acting on the exposed freeboard of the Chang Hang Hui Hai, which overcame the breaking strength of several mooring lines.​​