Watch part of the Santa Cruz Pier collapse into the ocean during heavy surf

On By Littum

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  • Part of the Santa Cruz Wharf in California collapsed on Monday after high surf battered the shore, sending three city workers into the sea.
  • The pier was closed to the public at the time of the collapse and no onlookers were injured.
  • Officials are warning residents to stay away from the area due to hazardous waste and strong surf.

Part of a pier in Northern California’s Santa Cruz collapsed into the Pacific Ocean Monday, sending three city workers into the sea after high surf battered the shore.

The Wharf, a public pier, is home to several restaurants in Santa Cruz, about 70 miles south of San Francisco. The pier was evacuated and closed to all emergency personnel just after

Two city workers were rescued by lifeguards and the third saved himself, according to reporting by the Salinas Californian, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Video shows part of the Santa Cruz Pier in the Pacific Ocean

City construction crews were demolishing a restaurant on the pier that had been damaged in a storm surge last December when the collapse occurred, eyewitnesses shared with locals CBS affiliate KION-TV.

The damaged section of the pier was closed to the public due to previous storm damage and no members of the public were present when the collapse occurred.

It was “the result of very strong waves crashing into it,” Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said during a news conference. ABC News reported.

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

“Stay off the dock,” officials warn

About 150 feet at the end of the dock, including a restroom and a newly renovated area, collapsed and construction equipment fell into the water due to the force of the tide, Tony Elliot, director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Santa Cruz, told ABC News.

A $4 million restoration was underway at the pier following previous storm damage, Keely told ABC News.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf, with his press office writing in a X posts that the state Office of Emergency Services coordinated with local officials to provide support.

“Residents and visitors should avoid the area and follow local guidance,” the press office wrote.

The wharf and surrounding beaches will be closed to the public “for the time being,” with officials warning residents to stay away from the area and beaches due to “hazardous debris” floating in the water, Santa Cruz Wharf wrote in a Facebook post.

“The sea is not messing around today,” said the post. “These are life (and property) threatening conditions … You are risking your life and those of the people who would have to try to save you by getting in or too close to the water.”

The National Weather Service issued a “High Surf Warning” for the region warns of “dangerously large breaking waves of 30 to 40 feet, with the largest wave sets up to 60 feet in favored locations.” The NWS warning remains in effect until 18.00 local time Tuesday.