On Monday, significant waves caused a portion of the Santa Cruz Wharf to collapse, resulting in three individuals falling into the ocean. Eyewitness footage captured a lifeguard coming to the rescue of one victim, who was stranded on debris from the destroyed wharf. Dressed in a hard hat, the man was seen signaling for help while another victim floated nearby.
Witnesses, including three teenagers fishing in the area, reported observing unusually large swells before the 150-foot section of the wharf gave way. “We noticed that the pier was swaying a lot, and we heard a lot of cracking,” recounted 15-year-old Landon Ky. The youth sprinted for safety as the structure crumbled, noting the experience felt surreal, as if they were caught in a movie scene.
The three victims, a city project manager and two contract engineers, were conducting routine inspections as part of a $4 million renovation of the wharf, which had previously suffered damage in storms. Santa Cruz’s Parks and Recreation representative Tony Elliot indicated that there were no warnings that the pier was at risk of collapse, as the team was working to ensure safety.
Santa Cruz Fire Chief Rob Oatey announced that personnel had already been dispatched to patrol the coastline in anticipation of the rough surf, aiding in the quick rescue of two of the victims, while a third managed to escape the water.
Following the incident, Santa Cruz city officials closed the wharf indefinitely and issued a public safety alert advising visitors to avoid the water at all coastal beaches. Mayor Fred Keeley warned that more severe conditions were expected due to the combination of high tides and king tides in the Pacific Ocean, prompting safety closures at Santa Cruz Main Beach, Cowell’s Beach, and Seabright Beach, with Capitola also preparing for possible flooding.
The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of extreme weather and the importance of being vigilant around coastal areas, especially during high surf conditions.
In a situation like this, communities can be grateful for the quick response from rescue teams and the safety measures that are already in place to protect residents and tourists alike. The recent events serve as a reminder of the power of nature and the necessity for constant vigilance in coastal safety.