A terrifying incident has been reported on Monday at the Santa Cruz Wharf in Santa Cruz, California. There, a 150-foot section of the historic pier collapsed into the water. Three workers were affected with minor injuries. This incident comes amid a dangerous swell expected to bring massive waves and hurricane-force winds to the central coast of California.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the collapse occurred during a significant swell, with waves reaching heights of up to 26 feet (7.9 meters). The swell is expected to intensify, bringing high winds and further perilous conditions to the region. Despite the dangers, the three individuals who fell into the water survived, though the incident has raised alarm about safety along California’s coastline.
Right at this moment, lifeguards quickly responded to the people,” said the city in a statement. “Immediately they rescued two of those involved, and the other could swim to shore.”
All three individuals work for the city. They included one program manager serving at the parks and recreation department and two contractors contracted through the same department.
Local officials provide reports on damage and hazards. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley confirmed in a briefing for the press that all three workers involved in the incident were injured only to a minor extent. It is reported that the tip of the wharf on which the collapse happened was already damaged by winter storms before the accident and the renovation work had already sealed off the area to public access.
However, the situation remains grave because many pilings from the collapsed wharf are still in the water. Weighing hundreds of pounds each, these pilings are being pushed by strong waves and pose a grave danger to anyone in the area. Mayor Keeley described these pilings as “serious, serious hazards.”
A 200-foot section of the Santa Cruz Wharf has collapsed into the ocean due to dangerous high surf conditions. Three individuals fell into the water, with two requiring rescue operations by the Santa Cruz Fire Department. pic.twitter.com/mNXCtBqjav
— SyeClops (@SyeClops) December 23, 2024
California Governor Issues Warning Amid Dangerous Ocean Conditions
The state of California is facing extreme weather conditions, with powerful swells and winds threatening coastal safety. Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the NWS, has urged residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution when approaching the water in the coming days.
“By entering or getting too close to the water, you are gambling with your life and those who would have to attempt to rescue you,” a social media statement from NWS said. The NWS has issued warnings to beachgoers to get out of the water and avoid jetties, piers, and other waterside structures, keeping a watchful eye out at all times near the ocean.
The collapse of the wharf forms part of a constant struggle against extreme weather. Barely a year ago, powerful winter storms pounded so heavily on the Seacliff State Beach pier not even a mile away from Santa Cruz that the damage resulted in its closing for at least part of a season. The recent collapse-and damage done previously to storms-was part of an all-too-obvious fragility of California coastal infrastructure.
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