On December 24, 2024, in Santa Cruz, California, a partial collapse incident occurred at the Santa Cruz Wharf on Monday, December 23. Three construction workers fell into the ocean but were all rescued.
According to the Santa Cruz Fire Department, all the individuals in distress were successfully rescued. Two were rescued by lifeguards, while the third person managed to swim to safety.
The department reported that there have been no reports of severe injuries resulting from the incident. Some of the three individuals who fell into the water sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.
The fire department stated that the local police department dispatched a drone to assess the extent of the damage caused by the accident and confirmed that no other victims had fallen into the water.
Officials said the event took place around 12:45 p.m. on Monday. Approximately 150 feet of the wharf’s end collapsed, including a restroom and some construction equipment used to repair the pier, which had been damaged in a previous storm.
After the incident, the personnel on the city pier were immediately evacuated. The entire wharf will remain closed until further notice.
The collapse occurred during a swell, with waves expected to reach up to 26 feet along the central coast of California.
Officials anticipate the high waves to continue into Tuesday, causing further damage to the pier, and urge the public to exercise caution and steer clear of all coastal areas.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office stated that the collapse was a result of the overpowering waves. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local authorities and officials in Santa Cruz to address the situation.