A section of the Santa Cruz Wharf experienced a partial collapse on Monday afternoon amid severe weather conditions caused by a powerful Pacific storm. This incident led to the rescue of two individuals who fell into the ocean, while a third person, who also ended up in the water, managed to swim to safety. Fortunately, the Santa Cruz Fire Department reported that there were no additional injuries.
The collapse, which involved approximately 150 feet at the end of the lengthy pier, occurred around 12:45 p.m. In response, authorities evacuated the remaining sections of the wharf and have closed it indefinitely, blocking all nearby traffic to facilitate emergency operations.
The three individuals who fell into the water were engineers and a project manager engaged in an inspection of the wharf’s end. Importantly, no members of the general public were present in the vicinity at the time of the incident.
Authorities, including the National Weather Service Bay Area office, issued warnings about the dangerous conditions due to high wave activity, urging people to avoid the area and highlighting the risks involved in getting too close to the turbulent water.
This event serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather and the importance of adhering to safety warnings during such conditions. It’s fortunate that no serious injuries occurred, and the collaborative response of emergency personnel underscores the importance of swift action in crisis situations.
In summary, while the collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf is a concerning event, the safe rescue of those involved highlights the effectiveness of emergency services and serves as a call for increased awareness and caution during adverse weather conditions.