SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — A 150-foot section of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf collapsed into the ocean Monday afternoon, forcing the rescue of two people and leaving another with minor injuries.
The collapse, which occurred at approximately 12:44 p.m., destroyed the end of the iconic structure, including the Dolphin Restaurant and a restroom. The area had been undergoing restoration work following damage from winter storms earlier in the year.
Santa Cruz police confirmed that three individuals were on the wharf at the time of the collapse: a city project manager and two contractors involved in the restoration project. Two were rescued from the water, while the third managed to climb out without assistance.
Minor injuries were reported, and the wharf was evacuated shortly after the incident. Authorities have closed the Santa Cruz Harbor, Main Beach, Cowell’s Beach, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the remainder of the day as a precaution.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the collapse, but structural instability from previous storm damage is under investigation.