Pacific Ocean Pier Collapses, Three People Fall into Water
Three people fell into the water when more than a hundred feet of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed into the Pacific Ocean on Monday, as the coastal city was pounded with dangerous high surf.
Incident Details
A city employee and two contractors were at the end of the pier checking on its stability and how it was withstanding rough waves when about 150 feet of the pier gave way, tossing the workers into the cold water, city officials said during a news conference. Two of them were rescued by lifeguards in the area, and the third was able to get to safety on their own.
Weather Conditions
The incident occurred while the area was expected to see dangerous high surf along the beaches, including in Point Reyes National Seashore, the San Francisco Peninsula coast, Monterey Bay and the Big Sur coast, according to the National Weather Service. The heavy surf is the result of a series of atmospheric river events that are bringing heavy rain to Northern California, Oregon and Washington state.
Damage and Response
The collapse also took down construction equipment and a restroom building. Much of it was drifting in the ocean south and east of the city but conditions were too dangerous to try to collect it, officials said. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said the city would work with other jurisdictions as conditions allowed to track and collect the debris from the water.
Injuries and Evacuation
A total of three people were taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution, but officials said they suffered only minor injuries. By 1 p.m., city officials shut down all access to the wharf and pedestrian traffic was blocked because of the partial collapse.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for extreme weather conditions and the potential risks that come with them. City officials are working to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for repairing and renovating the pier.
FAQs
Q: What caused the pier to collapse?
A: The collapse was caused by the strong waves and rough conditions brought on by the atmospheric river events.
Q: How many people were injured in the incident?
A: Three people were taken to the hospital as a precaution, but officials said they suffered only minor injuries.
Q: Will the pier be closed to the public?
A: Yes, officials expect the entire pier to be closed off to the public until further notice.
Q: What is being done to collect the debris from the water?
A: The city will work with other jurisdictions as conditions allow to track and collect the debris from the water.
