Watch: Historic Wooden Wharf Collapses After A Powerful Storm Hits California Coast

Collapsed Wharf — Screengrab from X video posted by ABC7 News

The historic Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed on December 23, 2024, after a powerful storm hit the California coast. The collapse happened around 12:45 p.m., taking with it three inspectors, two engineers, and a project manager, into the water.

They were conducting routine inspections for a renovation project on the wharf. Two of the inspectors were quickly rescued by lifeguards on jet skies, while the third made their way to safety on their own.

Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

The part of the wharf that collapsed had been closed to the public for repairs due to damage from earlier storms. This section included restrooms and a restaurant and was about 150 feet long.

BREAKING REPORT: ⚠️ Large portion of the Santa Cruz wharf has collapsed into the ocean.. pic.twitter.com/EPyz7Piaft

— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) December 23, 2024

The debris, including construction equipment, fell into the ocean and was carried down the coast, eventually becoming stuck at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River.

The collapse happened during a major storm that had been forecasted over the weekend. The National Weather Service had issued high surf warnings, predicting waves as high as 60 feet along the coast.

The storm also brought strong winds in the Pacific Northwest.

Apart from the damage to the wharf, the storm killed one and left another man missing in nearby Watsonville, about 10 miles from Santa Cruz. The deceased was trapped under beach debris and died, while the other is believed to have been swept into the sea.

🚨🇺🇸 MOTHER NATURE TAKES A BITE OUT OF HISTORIC SANTA CRUZ WHARF

A section of California’s iconic Santa Cruz Wharf succumbed to monster waves during Monday’s assault by 30-foot swells.

The dramatic collapse sent three people into the churning waters below, with Santa Cruz Fire… pic.twitter.com/SFZP6J9JEN

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 23, 2024

The Santa Cruz Wharf, built in 1914, is the longest wooden wharf on the West Coast, stretching nearly half a mile into the ocean. It is a popular spot for tourists and has been featured in movies like The Lost Boys.

The city had been investing $4 million in repairs to the section that collapsed.

An official from the Santa Cruz Department of Parks and Recreation said the inspection team had no warning that the wharf would collapse during their visit.

As the storm worsened, officials ordered evacuations for areas near the wharf. People staying in waterfront hotels in Capitola were evacuated, and residents in nearby areas were told to avoid beach areas.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office also issued evacuation orders for part of the city. Videos shared online showed large sections of the wharf falling into the water as huge waves struck the coast.

Video captured the moment a person was rescued after the Santa Cruz Wharf partially collapsed on Monday. In the video, you can see a person standing on a part of the wharf floating in the water as a rescuer on a jet ski picks them up. In total two people had to be rescued and one… pic.twitter.com/do8FlG2d9M

— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) December 23, 2024

The collapse also caused disruptions for local businesses, with some owners witnessing the event firsthand.

Santa Cruz Fire Chief Robert Oatey confirmed that firefighters and lifeguards were already patrolling the area when the collapse happened and that their quick response helped rescue the inspectors before the situation got worse.

The Mayor, Fred Keeley called the collapse a terrible incident but praised the responders’ swift action. He urged people to stay away from the ocean, as the debris in the water could be dangerous.

While City Manager Matt Huffaker said the incident was a reminder of the “power of our changing climate”. The area where the wharf collapsed will remain closed for now due to the hazardous debris.

This collapse follows a similar incident a year ago at Seacliff State Beach Pier, which was also destroyed by storms in 2023.

The National Weather Service has asked people to be cautious of dangerous surf and possible shoreline erosion. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has confirmed that state officials are working alongside local authorities to provide help and respond to the ongoing situation.

References: NYTimes, Hindustan Times

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