Three injured when Santa Cruz wharf collapses in heavy surf, California town orders evacuations

The three people all have minor injuries and have been identified as a project manager on a wharf construction project, and two contractors. The workers were helping to restore parts of the wharf that were damage from previous storms.

Published: December 23, 2024 8:26pm

Updated: December 23, 2024 8:43pm

Three people in Santa Cruz, California, were hospitalized with minor injuries Monday after a wharf extending into the Pacific Ocean collapsed amid a powerful coastal storm. 

As a result of the storm, the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office issued the evacuation orders for the Rio Del Mar, Beach Drive and Las Olas areas, citing large swells and high tides. 

The National Weather Service for the Bay Area said the weather in the area was "life-threatening," with beach conditions that include "very high surf, rip currents, sneaker waves, and coastal flooding through Tuesday."

Two of the three injured were rescued from the ocean, and the third was able to return to the beach without help. The unaffected part of the wharf was evacuated.

The injured and have been identified as a project manager on a wharf construction project and two contractors. They were helping to restore parts of the wharf that were damage from previous storms, according to NBC News.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.

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