After a portion of the Santa Cruz Wharf fell into the Pacific Ocean this afternoon, two people had to be rescued by first responders, while another was able to make it to safety on their own.
All three were construction workers.
City of Santa Cruz officials said around 12:45 p.m. today, an emergency call reported one end of the Santa Cruz municipal wharf, where the Dolphin Restaurant a restroom were located, collapsed into the ocean.
(Video still by Antonio Ramirez)
The area has been closed to the public since this past January.
Two victims were rescued by Lifeguard Unit 3166 and there are no reports of significant injuries at this point.
A drone sent up by the Santa Cruz Police Department confirmed no additional victims were in the water.
Authorities urged residents to exercise caution as huge waves continue to pummel the coast.
“The municipal wharf will be closed until further notice,” a City of Santa Cruz spokesperson said. “Due to the high surf advisory and the large amounts of debris, including potential hazardous materials released during the incident, Main Beach and Cowell’s Beach are also closed.
“Due to life-threatening ocean conditions, please avoid all coastal areas, including overlook areas such as rocks, jetties, or cliffs. Dangerous and powerful waves can sweep across entire beaches unexpectedly. Do not enter the water, and do not cross flooded streets. Conditions will remain dangerous through noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24.”
Joe Schwappach, a worker at the The Picnic Basket, a Santa Cruz eatery between the Boardwalk and the Wharf, was surprised by all the commotion in the middle of the day.
“I was just at work, minding my business, and all the sudden a bunch of cop cars and fire trucks showed up,” he said. “At first we didn’t know what was going on. And then we looked out and we saw a bunch of driftwood in the ocean. And then we realized that the pier collapsed and drifted all the way down the beach on to the point down there. We heard that three people fell in. Luckily, all of them were rescued.”
His plan for after his shift? Head out to catch some waves himself.
“Gotta get out there,” he said. “Gotta get some good waves before this swell fades out—you know, just enjoy the rest of the day and enjoy Christmas—and be glad everybody’s safe.”
