On Monday, a California pier under construction suffered a partial collapse, plunging into the ocean and prompting the rescue of two individuals. The incident occurred as heavy surf from a major storm battered the state's central coast, with hurricane-force winds expected off the Pacific Northwest.
Authorities issued warnings for residents to steer clear of low-lying areas near the beaches surrounding the Santa Cruz Wharf, located approximately 70 miles south of San Francisco, as the storm rapidly intensified.
Lifeguards successfully rescued two people from the water, while a third individual managed to swim to safety. Fortunately, there were no reports of serious injuries, according to Mayor Fred Keeley.
The section of the wharf that collapsed had been undergoing a $4 million renovation due to damage sustained in previous winter storms. Tony Elliot, head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that around 150 feet of the wharf's end fell into the water around 12:45 p.m., leading to its immediate evacuation and indefinite closure.
The remaining pilings in the ocean pose significant hazards to boats, with each piling weighing hundreds of pounds and being propelled by powerful waves. Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation, and the state's Office of Emergency Services is working in conjunction with local officials.
Forecasters have cautioned that storm swells are expected to escalate throughout the day, with ocean swells along California's central coast potentially reaching 60 feet as the Pacific storm gains strength. The weather service's Ocean Prediction Center has warned of hurricane-force winds off the Pacific Northwest, with peak speeds near 80 mph and seas exceeding 30 feet.
The collapsed portion of the pier, which included public restrooms and a closed restaurant, drifted approximately half a mile down the coast and became lodged at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River. The individuals who fell into the water were identified as two engineers and a project manager conducting an inspection at the wharf's end, with no members of the public present in the vicinity.
Building inspectors are currently assessing the structural integrity of the remaining sections of the Santa Cruz Wharf. This incident comes nearly a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier, located nearby, was severely damaged by a heavy winter storm.
