Santa Cruz, California — A powerful storm wreaked havoc on California’s central coast, leading to the partial collapse of the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf during a $4 million repair project. The devastating event has caused significant structural damage, sent debris into the ocean, and disrupted local businesses and tourism.
The Incident
The wharf, previously weakened by winter storms, was undergoing extensive repairs when 150 feet of its structure, including the Dolphin Restaurant and a restroom, collapsed.
Massive waves, driven by the storm, tore through the structure, throwing debris and equipment into the ocean. A crane and skid steer were among the equipment lost, and the bathrooms ended up on Seabright Beach.
Witnesses described the terrifying moment of the collapse.
“We heard the pier cracking, and it was swinging a lot,” said Landon Ky, a bystander.
“Within the next five minutes, the whole thing crashed into the water.”
Rescues Amid the Chaos
Santa Cruz police confirmed that three workers were on the wharf when it gave way:
- Two were rescued by lifeguards.
- One managed to escape on their own.
Thankfully, only minor injuries were reported among the workers.
Current Conditions and Closures
The Santa Cruz Harbor, along with Main Beach and Cowell’s Beach, has been closed until further notice due to extensive storm damage. Businesses on the landside remain open, but parking and access are severely restricted.
The wharf will remain closed indefinitely as officials assess the full extent of the damage. Key issues include:
- Unstable docks in some areas.
- Continued surge conditions, threatening nearby vessels.
- Debris and structural instability along the coastline.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has also closed for safety reasons.
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Storm’s Widespread Impact
The storm has been blamed for at least one death near Marina State Beach and continues to pose threats along the Northern California coastline. Officials warn that worsening weather conditions could lead to further damage in the coming days.
Santa Cruz City Manager Matt Huffaker emphasized the precautions taken, saying,
“We had our engineering team monitoring the situation minute by minute and made the decision to proceed with constant vigilance.”
The Road Ahead
The collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature. Local officials and engineers will work tirelessly to assess the damage, plan for reconstruction, and ensure the safety of workers and the public.
Residents and visitors are urged to remain cautious and heed safety warnings as the region braces for continued severe weather.
Stay tuned for updates on the situation and recovery efforts in Santa Cruz.
