SANTA CRUZ — Three workers inspecting the Santa Cruz Wharf fell into the choppy ocean waves and had to be rescued after part of the structure collapsed Monday, said city officials who fear the next storm could cause more damage.
Two of the victims were rescued from the waters by lifeguards and a third self-rescued, officials said.
The collapse occurred around 12:44 p.m. as the end of the wharf was barraged by powerful west swells, officials said at an afternoon press conference. About 150 feet of the wharf broke off and fell into the water.
Mayor Fred Keeley, who toured the wharf with police, fire and public works officials on Monday, said he is “very concerned” that more of the structure will collapse with the next incoming storm.
“What we saw this morning is likely to be not as intense as what we may see later today or potentially early tomorrow,” Keeley said. “That was what I was told repeatedly by a number of folks who are out there on the scene who have a very good feel for the ocean and the tides and so on.”
The project manager and two contractors had been out inspecting the end of the wharf at the time of the collapse and fell into the waters below. All three were uninjured or suffered only minor injuries, but were taken to the hospital to be checked as a precaution, officials said. That part of the wharf was not open to the public Monday.
Drone footage posted online showed debris floating on waves beneath gray, cloudy skies.
The area that collapsed has been closed for repairs and construction due to damage caused by a storm in December 2023. The Dolphin Restaurant, which was built in the 1960s, had to be demolished in October to make room to repair missing and damaged pilings. The construction was tentatively slated to be completed in March 2025.
At Monday’s press conference, Mayor Keeley said the removal of The Dolphin Restaurant and asphalt made the structure lighter where the ocean beneath is at its “deepest” and “most aggressive” part. The rest of the wharf still has its pilings, cross pieces and asphalt — enough “weight to keep the wharf in place,” he added.
“Perhaps the rest of the wharf may do better, but we are thinking that we could, in fact, sustain great damage,” Keeley said.
City officials had discussed closing the wharf due to the conditions earlier in the day, officials said, but added that doing so is no small feat because of the number of small businesses that operate there. Under the supervision of the city’s engineering team and wharf team, the decision was made to allow the wharf to remain open with constant monitoring.
The wharf was closed as of 1 p.m.
“I had to see this. This is major news,” said Dianne Avery, a Seabright resident who went to see the damage. “This never happens this bad, and it’s getting worse.”
City officials have also asked residents to avoid low-lying areas due to debris and a high surf advisory. They especially advised avoiding beaches. Traffic is blocked off for all except emergency personnel.
Santa Cruz Main Beach and Cowell’s Beach are closed due to hazardous debris, city officials said. They added that people should be careful because the debris is going to spread over the next four or five days of rough conditions.
“We’re taking this a step at a time right now,” Keeley said. “Right here, right now, at this moment, we’re trying to secure our wharf.”
This is a developing story.