WATCH: Santa Cruz Wharf Collapses, Multiple People Fall Into Water

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Three people fell into the ocean after the Santa Cruz Wharf partially collapsed.

Lifeguards rescued two individuals and one self-rescued.

“Major damage at the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf due to the massive swell. Apparently the entire bathroom near where the Dolphin restaurant was has been knocked into the water. Wharf is being evacuated. Avoid the area near the roundabout,” News Channel3 Now wrote.

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KCRA 3 reports:

The end of the wharf had been damaged by winter storms and those who fell into the water were workers doing inspections on the wharf as part of a $4 million repair effort.

Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said the partial collapse was reported at 12:44 p.m. The collapse sent part of the closed Dolphin Restaurant, a public bathroom and repair equipment into the water.

A number of pilings, heavy posts that hold up the wharf, were also destroyed. That will cause “serious hazards” going forward, Keeley said.

In all, about 150 feet at the end of the wharf was destroyed, Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation head Tony Elliot said.

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Per KRON4:

The collapse comes amid a major swell that is expected to bring wave heights up to 26 feet high to parts of the Central Coast. The swell is expected to last through Tuesday.

“Due to life-threatening conditions, please avoid all beaches including coastal overlook areas such as rocks, jetties or cliffs,” a public safety alert read. “Dangerous and powerful waves can sweep across entire beaches unexpectedly. Do not enter the water, and do not cross the flooded streets along the coast.”

“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 said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said the governor has been briefed on the pier collapse, which was due to heavy surf. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local agencies and officials.

Monday’s collapse was reminiscent of an incident in winter of 2023 when the Seacliff State Beach pier was pummeled beyond repair by a heavy winter storm.



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