Santa Cruz Wharf partially collapses in California, city workers rescued

Part of a pier in California collapsed during high surf Monday, sending three city workers into the water, officials said.

The three employees are safe and are responsible for monitoring the partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf, officials said.

The collapse took place at 12:45 a.m. PT Monday “as a result of very strong waves crashing into it,” Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said during a press briefing.

Two of the people who went into the water were rescued, while the third swam to safety, he said.

“We believe that everyone who went into the water is now responsible and safe,” Keeley said.

No members of the public were on the wharf, which has been closed to the public, at the time it collapsed, officials said.

The wharf will remain closed for now and its structural integrity is being assessed, officials said.

The municipal pier has undergone a $4 million restoration following storm impacts, according to Tony Elliot, the director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Santa Cruz.

About 150 feet of the end of the dock collapsed, including a restroom and part of the renovation, he said. Construction equipment also went into the water, he said.

A city project manager and two contracted engineers who were monitoring the dock when it collapsed went into the water, officials said. No serious injuries have been reported, officials said.

People are advised to stay away from the area as well as the shorelines due to debris in the water and a high surf advisory.

The National Weather Service in the Bay Area warned that “hazardous and life-threatening beach conditions” are forecast for beaches along the Pacific coast through Tuesday, including rough seas and breaking waves up to 60 feet.