On Monday, a section of the Santa Cruz Wharf in California partially collapsed, resulting in three individuals falling into the ocean. The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. PT, and thankfully, all three sustained only minor injuries. Two of the individuals were rescued, while a third managed to swim to safety independently, as reported by a Santa Cruz official.
The accident was attributed to heavy surf conditions associated with a significant storm swell. Santa Cruz Fire Chief Rob Oatey indicated that the collapse happened during a period of particularly hazardous weather. In light of the situation, sections of the wharf that were unaffected were evacuated for safety.
Preliminary reports mentioned that approximately 150 feet of the pier had already been off-limits to the public due to damage from earlier storms. Among those who fell into the water were a project manager and two contractors working on the wharf construction project. They were quickly hospitalized, reporting only minor injuries.
The National Weather Service Bay Area issued a warning about “life-threatening” conditions, emphasizing dangers such as high surf, rip currents, sneaker waves, and coastal flooding affecting all beaches along the Pacific Coast. The forecast predicts breaking waves that could reach heights of up to 60 feet, underscoring the gravity of the weather conditions.
This incident serves as a reminder of the powerful forces of nature and the importance of safety precautions during extreme weather events. As the community responds to this situation, it highlights the resilience of those involved and the necessity for continued vigilance against the potential hazards posed by severe storms.