On Monday afternoon, a section of the Santa Cruz Wharf in California partially collapsed, causing three individuals to fall into the ocean. Fortunately, officials reported that all three sustained only minor injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. PT during a time when the area was experiencing significant storm swells.
Santa Cruz Fire Chief Rob Oatey stated that the collapse was triggered by the major surf conditions impacting the region. In response to the danger, parts of the wharf that remained stable were evacuated. It was noted that approximately 150 feet of the pier had already been closed to the public due to damage sustained from previous storms.
Among those who fell into the water, one was a project manager involved in the wharf’s construction, while the other two were contractors working on the site. All three were treated at local hospitals for their minor injuries.
The National Weather Service warned about “life-threatening” conditions along the California coast, advising of very high surf, rip currents, and potentially dangerous coastal flooding that would continue into Tuesday. They predicted extremely rough seas, with breaking waves reaching up to 60 feet, highlighting the critical need for caution in the area.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of safety measures in coastal areas, particularly during severe weather events. It’s hopeful to note that, despite the serious conditions, all casualties were reported to be safe and treated for minor injuries, and emergency services acted quickly to ensure a prompt response. Local officials will likely continue monitoring the structural integrity of the affected areas to prevent future incidents.