2 people rescued when California pier partially collapses
(KRON) -- A portion of the Santa Cruz Wharf has collapsed and is floating away Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Three people went into the water when the pier section collapsed, according to the Santa Cruz Police Department. Two of them were rescued by lifeguards, and a third person was able to get to safety on their own. All three were treated and released, according to Santa Cruz Fire Department officials.
The incident occurred around 12:45 p.m., officials said. About 150 feet of pier section at the end of the Northern California wharf collapsed.
The end of the pier that broke off had been shut down for repairs caused by prior storms. The portion, which included public restrooms and the closed Dolphin restaurant, floated about half a mile down the coast and wedged itself at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River.
The wharf was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely, officials said.
Those who fell into the water were two engineers and a project manager who were inspecting the end of the wharf, officials said. No members of the public were in the area.
The collapse comes amid a major swell that is expected to bring wave heights up to 26 feet high to parts of the California coast. The swell is expected to last through Tuesday.
"You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water," the NWS said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said the governor has been briefed on the pier collapse. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local agencies and officials.
Monday's collapse was reminiscent of an incident in winter of 2023 when the nearby Seacliff State Beach pier was pummeled beyond repair by a heavy winter storm.
"The ocean is not messing around today," said the NWS in a tweet. "There are life (and property) threatening conditions for the remainder of today and tomorrow."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.