Direct numerical simulations were performed to investigate the interaction between a horseshoe vortex and a free surface at various Weber numbers. The incompressible Navier-Stokes equations were solved using the volume-of-fluid method coupled with the piecewise linear interface construction scheme. The continuum surface force model was incorporated to account for surface tension effects during interface deformation. The simulations covered a range of Weber numbers from 0.24 to 0.84. By quantitatively analyzing the evolution of total kinetic energy, dissipation rate, total helicity, and surface energy, the influence of Weber number on the vortex-interface interaction was elucidated. At low Weber numbers, surface tension dominated, maintaining the interface as a coherent ring-like structure and suppressing deformation and topological changes, while the vorticity field remained stable with negligible variations in helicity. Conversely, at high Weber numbers, inertial forces dominated over capillary effects, leading to significant interface deformation, breakup, and reconnection. This process resulted in vortex breakdown, accelerated kinetic energy decay, distinct peaks in energy dissipation, and a continuous decrease in helicity. These findings underscored the critical role of the Weber number in energy transfer and dissipation mechanisms, providing theoretical support for multiphase flow dynamics and guidelines for engineering applications such as the design of surface and trans-media vehicles.