Santa Cruz Wharf Partially Collapses as Pacific Storm Pounds California's Coast

Two people had to be rescued when a portion of the Santa Cruz Wharf partially collapsed in the ocean on Monday afternoon as heavy surf and rains from a major Pacific storm pounded the coast.

A third person, who also fell in the water, was able to swim to safety, according to the Santa Cruz Fire Department. No additional injuries were reported.

About 150 feet of the end of the long pier fell into the water around 12:45 p.m., authorities said. The existing section of the wharf was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely, with all nearby traffic blocked to make room for emergency personnel.

Those who fell into the water were two engineers and a project manager who were inspecting the end of the wharf, officials said. No members of the public were in the area.

“A portion of the Santa Cruz Pier has collapsed and is floating away,” the National Weather Service Bay Area office posted to X on Monday. “Look at the ominous wave action on the horizon. You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water.”

The 150-foot section of the wharf that collapsed was already closed due to previous damage from storms last winter.

“The issues we saw today are really reflective of the past couple of years that have damaged the wharf,” Tony Elliot, Santa Cruz’s Parks and Recreation director, said at a press conference on Monday. He noted that the city was in the middle of a $4 million renovation of the storm-battered structure.

The portion that collapsed included public restrooms and the closed Dolphin restaurant. It floated about half a mile down the coast and wedged itself at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River, officials said.

Some of the wharf’s pilings are still in the ocean and remain “serious, serious hazards” to boats, said Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, stressing that each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves. He added that the storm could grow more intense over the next four or five days.

“We are anticipating that what is coming toward us is more serious than what was there this morning,” Keeley said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has been briefed and the state’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials, the governor’s office said.

The NWS Bay Area warned people to stay out of the water as the storm continues to gain strength offshore of the Pacific Northwest, bringing waves of up to 60 feet.

“Dangerous and life-threatening beach conditions are forecast with very high surf, rip currents, sneaker waves, and coastal flooding through Tuesday for ALL beaches along the Pacific Coast,” the weather agency said on X.

Monday’s collapse came about a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier just down the coast was battered beyond repair by another heavy winter storm.

The story includes reporting from the Associated Press.