SANTA CRUZ — Three people fell into the choppy ocean waves after part of the Santa Cruz wharf collapsed Monday, city officials said on social media.
Two of the victims were rescued from the waters by lifeguards and a third self-rescued, officials said.
City contractors had been out inspecting the end of the wharf at the time of the collapse, city officials said at a press conference.
Following the collapse, debris from the end of the wharf floated on the waves beneath gray, cloudy skies, according to drone footage posted online.
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Mayor Fred Keeley said at the press conference that he is “very concerned” that more of the wharf will collapse with the next incoming storm.
“In my opportunity to be out there on the wharf with police, fire, public works and parks, the indication was that 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 Santa Cruz Fire Department and Santa Cruz Police Department were responding to the incident, they said on social media.
The wharf was closed as of 1 p.m.
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.
This is a developing story.
