A chunk of California’s famous Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed into the ocean Monday afternoon, sending three people into the water. The incident occurred at about 12:45 p.m., with approximately 150 feet of the pier’s end buckling and sending one city project manager and two contractors tumbling into the rough seas. Mercifully, no serious injuries were reported, and all three were safely rescued—two by emergency responders, while one managed to self-rescue.
Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said in a news conference that the collapse happened at the very moment when the Wharf opened to the public, even when there was already a high-surf advisory issued over the area. The collapse happened amidst an unusually heavy ocean swell-waves up to 50 feet were forecasted along some beaches. The National Weather Service warned of dangerous, very large waves and life-threatening surf conditions, with a warning for the public to avoid beaches altogether.
The Wharf was built in 1914 and, stretching at nearly 2,745 feet in length, had already been slated for repairs and demolition of the section that collapsed. In October, the Dolphin Restaurant, situated at the end of the Wharf, was demolished after sustaining damage in a winter storm in 2023. Even with reconstruction on the Wharf well underway, parts of its pilings, restrooms, and restaurant fell into the water when it collapsed.
Beyond the Wharf collapse, high surf has pushed seawater into Capitola Village, forcing evacuations and closures of several areas. More dangerous conditions have been forewarned by local authorities over the next few days, with continuous high tides and strong ocean swells.
The office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been in contact with local agencies to coordinate the response to the collapse, and officials are continuing to monitor the situation. It adds to concerns over historic piers in the state becoming increasingly more vulnerable, many seeing rapidly escalating damage amid climate change and extreme weather conditions. Earlier this year, the Seacliff State Beach pier was removed after sustaining years of damage from atmospheric rivers.
