Portion of Santa Cruz Wharf collapses amid high surf with 2 people rescued
Authorities confirmed two people had to be rescued from the water after part of a Santa Cruz pier caved in during a high surf warning on Monday afternoon.
The collapse of the municipal pier was just one of multiple impacts in the weather-stricken region, as high waves and flooding closed several roads in Capitola and prompted some coastal evacuations.
Santa Cruz Fire Department
Santa Cruz officials later said the collapse occurred around 12:45 p.m.
The National Weather Service Bay Area X account posted information and video about the collapse provided by an X user on Monday at 1:11:18 p.m.
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“Part of the Santa Cruz Pier has collapsed and is floating away,” the post reads. “Look at the ominous wave action on the horizon. You are risking your life while those who need to be saved by entering or getting too close to the water are trying to save Your people’s lives are also at risk.”
The Santa Cruz Fire Department confirmed that lifeguards pulled two people from the water and that the third person escaped from the waves without assistance. The Santa Cruz Police Department was also on scene.
The Santa Cruz Pier is closed until further notice, officials said. The public is asked to stay away from the area.
Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley and other city officials spoke about the incident shortly before 2:30 p.m. Keeley noted that the portion of the pier that collapsed “was part of the municipal pier that was determined to be in need of demolition and repair” over time. “
It includes the Dolphin Restaurant and a public bathroom on the pier. Keeley also confirmed that the person who fell into the water was a municipal employee working at the pier at the time, but said that no one was injured and everyone has been accounted for. The washed-out area of the pier has been closed to the public since January, officials said.
The mayor noted that in the collapse, they lost “many pilings, many decks of the pier itself, as well as restrooms and what’s left of the Dolphin Restaurant.”
Public restrooms on the beach have washed ashore, but the mayor said the remaining debris left in the water “poses a serious hazard to people and any type of navigation” and asked people to stay out of the water and stay away for their safety and will ” Their vehicles, boats or other equipment were placed in the water.”
The mayor said city staff is “evaluating… the structural integrity of the pier” given the potential for additional impacts from the incoming storm.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office Confirms the governor has been informed of the damage It said the California Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials to help provide support.
The dock collapse is coming After the National Weather Service issued a high wave warning The ban remains in effect as of noon Tuesday for San Francisco, the North Bay Coast including Point Reyes National Seashore, the Peninsula Coast, Monterey Bay and the Big Sur Coast. Waves of 30 to 35 feet are expected along the coast.
Further south from the pier, Santa Cruz County confirmed to KPIX that a man died after being trapped under washed-up debris by high waves at Sunset State Beach.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Announces boardwalk, casino mall and Neptune Kingdom closures Due to weather conditions, shortly after 1:30 pm on Monday, the remainder of the day will remain unchanged. However, Boardwalk Bowl remains open.
The dock was also Damaged in powerful bomb cyclone In January 2023, hurricanes caused widespread damage to Santa Cruz, Capitola, and other coastal towns.
Monday’s high waves had an additional impact as the day progressed. Shortly after 3 p.m., the CHP’s Santa Cruz office confirmed that flooding had closed the East Cliff at 9th Avenue, the East Cliff at Moran Lake, Marina Ave. at Aptos Beach Dr., Moosehead Dr. and Aptos Beach Dr. Rio Del Mar.
Some evacuations were also done in Capitola after the village was closed due to flooding from waves that pushed seawater into the area. villagers Advised to shelter in place, Capitola Venice Hotel evacuated.
This is a developing news story. Additional information will be included as it becomes available.
