The pontoon carrying the hydraulic jack-up unit containing the spud pile had broken off. Neither the pontoon nor the spud pile could be seen from the tug and the crew were uncertain if the section was completely lost or was still partly connected to the barge. If so, it was being dragged under water and could ground the barge when they reached shallow waters. Furthermore, the crew were worried about the status of the overall construction of the barge and if it was about to sink.