Santa Cruz Wharf Partially Collapses in Severe Storms, Three People Rescued from Water
A portion of the historic Santa Cruz Wharf in California partially collapsed amid heavy waves brought on by powerful storms, throwing three individuals into the water, officials confirmed Monday.
The collapsed section, located at the far end of the municipal wharf, had already been identified by officials as in need of repairs due to previous storm damage. Two engineers and a city official who were inspecting the area fell into the water when the structure gave way, said Tony Elliot, a city official. Fortunately, two of the individuals were rescued, while the third swam to safety. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley reported that there were no serious injuries and that all three people were now accounted for and safe.
In the aftermath of the collapse, authorities issued a warning for residents to stay clear of the coastline. The National Weather Service urged the public to avoid the water, warning that “people are losing their lives along the coast today,” and emphasizing that rescuers could also be at risk. This warning came amid reports of a man being swept into the ocean at Marina State Beach, just across Monterey Bay from Santa Cruz.
Additionally, another man was found trapped under debris by the high surf at nearby Sunset State Beach. California State Parks confirmed that bystanders and rescuers managed to free him, but he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The portion of the wharf that collapsed was approximately 150 feet long and included parts of a public restroom and construction equipment intended for the wharf’s ongoing renovation. The collapse has raised concerns about the safety of nearby boats, vehicles, and pedestrians due to heavy debris from the wharf, which could weigh several hundred pounds.
The Santa Cruz Wharf, which opened in 1914, is a popular tourist destination, attracting between 1.5 million and 2 million visitors annually. However, the structure has been increasingly vulnerable to the growing intensity of coastal storms, according to city officials.
City Manager Matt Huffaker described the latest damage as “another testament to the power of our changing climate,” noting that forecasts for storm impacts continue to exceed expectations year after year.
Authorities have also warned that coastal conditions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area remain life-threatening, with waves potentially reaching up to 60 feet and coastal flooding expected to continue through Tuesday.
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