During a high-surf warning on Monday afternoon, a portion of the Santa Cruz Wharf fell, and authorities confirmed that two persons needed to be rescued from the water.
Numerous road closures and some coastal evacuations in Capitola were caused by high surf and flooding, and the collapse of the municipal wharf was just one of several effects in the weather-battered area.
Officials from Santa Cruz later stated that the collapse occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m.
At 1:1:18 p.m. on Monday, the National Weather Service Bay Area X account shared video and information from an X user regarding the collapse.
KPIX First Alert Weather: Local conditions, warnings, and maps
“A portion of the Santa Cruz pier has collapsed, and is floating away,” the caption stated. “Observe the menacing wave movement that is approaching. By entering or approaching the water too closely, you are endangering both your life and the lives of others who would have to attempt to save you.
A section of the Santa Cruz Pier is drifting away after collapsing. On the horizon, see the menacing wave motion. By entering or approaching the water too closely, you are endangering not just your life but also the lives of those who would have to attempt to save you.https://t.co/5vCNQogvtI #CAwx
According to Santa Cruz Fire, a third person managed to escape the waves without aid, while two others required assistance from lifeguards to be rescued from the sea. Additionally present at the site was the Santa Cruz Police Department.
According to officials, the Santa Cruz Wharf has been closed until further notice. It is being requested that the public avoid the area.
Just before 2:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley and other city officials discussed the incident. According to Keeley, the section of the pier that fell “was a portion of the municipal wharf that has already been determined to need to be taken down and repaired over time.”
It included one of the wharf’s public restrooms and the Dolphin restaurant. Although there were no injuries and everyone was accounted for, Keeley also confirmed that the individuals who fell into the sea were city workers who were on the pier at the time. According to officials, the public has not been able to access the area of the wharf that washed away since January of this year.
The mayor noted that in the collapse, they lost “many pilings, a lot of the deck of the wharf itself, as well as the restroom and what remained of the Dolphin restaurant.”
The mayor stated that the remaining debris in the water posed “serious hazards for people and for any kind of navigation” and advised people to avoid the water and the beach for their own safety, as well as to keep “their vehicles, their boats or other devices out in the water.” The public restroom had already washed up on the beach.
According to the mayor, city workers were “assessing…the structural integrity of the wharf” in light of the impending storm, which would probably have further effects.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s officeconfirmed the governor was briefed on the damageand said the California Office of Emergency Services was coordinating with local officials to help provide support.
The collapse of the pier comesafter the National Weather Service issued a high surf warningthat remains in effect through noon Tuesday for San Francisco, the North Bay coast including Point Reyes National Seashore, the Peninsula coast, the Monterey Bay, and Big Sur Coast. Along the coast, 30- to 35-foot breaking waves are anticipated.
Further south from the wharf, Santa Cruz County authorities confirmed to KPIX thata man died at Sunset State Beach after a large wave trapped him underneath washed-up debris. At Monterey County’s Marina State Beach, a second person went into the sea Monday afternoon and is still unaccounted for.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalkannounced the closure of the Boardwalk, the Casino Arcade and Neptune’s Kingdomdue to the weather current conditions shortly after 1:30 p.m. for the remainder of the day Monday. However, the Boardwalk Bowl remained open.
The pier was alsodamaged during the powerful bomb cyclonethat caused extensive damage in Santa Cruz, Capitola and other coastal towns in January of 2023.
The high surf was having additional impacts Monday as the day wore on. The Santa Cruz office of the CHP confirmed shortly after 3 p.m. that flooding had closed East Cliff at 9th Ave., East Cliff at Moran Lake, Marina Ave. at Aptos Beach Dr., Moosehead Dr., and Rio Del Mar at Aptos Beach Dr.
**IMPORTANT ALERT**Heads up! East Cliff Dr is CLOSED between 26th Avenue and Palisades Avenue due to significant flooding. Please do not attempt to drive across flooded areas or ignore road closures it s crucial for your safety.pic.twitter.com/hLH84VuQ27
There were also some evacuations in Capitola after the Capitola Village was closed by the flooding from the high surf, with waves pushing seawater into the area. Village residentswere advised to shelter in place and the Capitola Venetian Hotel was evacuated.
This is a developing news story. Additional information will be included as it becomes available.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.