Santa Cruz Wharf Breaks Apart Monday, Stranding Three Men In High California Surf

Wow. A substantial section of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed into the Pacific Ocean on Monday morning, 12/23/24. This during an intense winter storm and high surf conditions.

A 150-foot portion of the pier started floating away after the area experienced a large swell, seeing waves of up to 25 feet. A piece of heavy equipment floated on former pier decking, as two men were rescued by harbor patrol riding water scooters.

Three city workers fell into the ocean, including two engineers and a project manager then engaged in a wharf inspection. Two men were rescued by lifeguards, while the third managed to swim to safety on his own. All three men reported minor injuries. Two of the workers were hospitalized.

Santa Cruz Wharf Breaks Apart 12/23/24, In High California Surf

Santa Cruz Wharf Breaks Apart 12/23/24, In High California Surf. Piece of heavy equipment floating on former pier

The National Weather Service had issued a high surf warning for the region, with waves expected to reach up to 60 feet, creating life-threatening conditions and significant shoreline erosion. The National Weather Service Bay Area continued to warn residents to stay away from the Northern California waterfront. NWS Predicted waves of up to 60 feet from trough to crest.