On December 23, 2024, around 12:45 p.m. local time, a section of the Santa Cruz Wharf in California collapsed into the Pacific Ocean due to severe weather and strong waves.
Three individuals—a city project manager and two contracted engineers—were on the wharf during the collapse. Two were promptly rescued by lifeguards, while the third swam to safety; all three sustained minor injuries.
The collapsed portion, approximately 150 feet at the end of the wharf, had been closed to the public and was undergoing a $4 million renovation following damage from previous storms. The incident resulted in debris, including heavy piles, posing hazards to boats in the vicinity. In response, the National Weather Service issued advisories, and local authorities evacuated nearby residents due to life-threatening conditions. An investigation into the wharf’s structural integrity is ongoing, with Governor Gavin Newsom pledging support for local efforts.
For a visual overview of the incident, you can watch the following news segment:
