VIDEO: Santa Cruz Wharf Collapse Sends Three Into Water Amid Powerful Swells

 

A 150-foot section of the Santa Cruz Wharf in California collapsed on Monday, plunging three people into the water. Fortunately, all three survived with minor injuries, according to local officials and the National Weather Service (NWS).

The incident occurred during a major swell affecting the central coast, with waves as high as 26 feet (7.9 meters) and hurricane-force winds battering the area. The wharf segment, which had been closed for repairs due to previous storm damage, floated approximately half a mile down the coast before becoming lodged in the San Lorenzo River.

Lifeguards rescued two individuals from the water, while a third managed to swim to safety, the Santa Cruz Fire Department reported on Instagram. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley confirmed at a press conference that the three were city workers—a parks and recreation program manager and two contractors—and all escaped with either no injuries or only minor ones.

The wharf's pilings, many of which remain submerged, pose significant risks due to their size and the powerful waves pushing them. Mayor Keeley described them as “serious, serious hazards.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom and the NWS have issued warnings urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution around the ocean. In a joint statement, they emphasized the dangers of entering or approaching the water, which could endanger both individuals and potential rescuers.

“You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the NWS cautioned.

Tony Elliot, head of the Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, said the collapsed section of the wharf included public restrooms and the closed Dolphin Restaurant. The wharf was evacuated and will remain shut indefinitely.

Monday’s collapse is the latest in a series of incidents caused by extreme weather along California’s coast. Last year, the Seacliff State Beach pier nearby was destroyed by a winter storm, and over 1,000 homes in the Santa Cruz area were damaged. In San Luis Obispo, south of Santa Cruz, a five-year-old child was tragically swept away by floodwaters. The storms claimed more than 20 lives statewide.

As the region continues to face volatile weather, officials urge vigilance and adherence to safety advisories to prevent further tragedies.

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