A section of the Santa Cruz Wharf in California collapsed due to high surf on Monday, causing three city workers to fall into the water, according to officials.
All three workers are safe and have been accounted for following the incident, which occurred at 12:45 p.m. PT. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley explained during a press briefing that the collapse was triggered by powerful waves crashing into the structure.
Rescue teams managed to save two of the workers from the water, while the third individual swam to safety.
“We believe that everyone who fell into the water is now accounted for and safe,” Keeley confirmed.
Officials noted that no members of the public were present on the wharf at the time of the collapse, as it had been closed to the public.
The wharf will remain closed until further notice while its structural integrity is being evaluated, officials added.
The municipal wharf in Santa Cruz is currently undergoing a $4 million restoration after suffering storm damage, according to Tony Elliot, the city’s Parks and Recreation director.
Approximately 150 feet of the wharf, including a restroom and part of the renovation, collapsed into the water, along with construction equipment, Elliot reported.
During the collapse, a city project manager and two contracted engineers who were monitoring the wharf also fell into the water. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
Officials have advised the public to avoid the area and the shorelines due to debris in the water and a high surf advisory.
The National Weather Service in the Bay Area has issued a warning for “dangerous and life-threatening beach conditions” along the Pacific Coast, with rough seas and waves expected to reach up to 60 feet through Tuesday.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation order on Monday afternoon for oceanfront residents along a roughly 3-mile stretch of shoreline just south of Santa Cruz, due to large swells and high tides.