Santa Cruz pier collapses, several people swept into bay

On Monday, a partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf resulted in three construction workers being swept away.

The heartstopping moment was caught on camera, showing two confused men signaling for help while standing on a piece of the pier that had become dislodged from the shore. Two of the men required a rescue from lifeguards, while a third was able to swim ashore.

According to the Santa Cruz Fire Department, all of the victims of the collapse were successfully rescued, and a drone dispatched to the area confirmed that no additional victims were in need of rescue.

The collapsed section of the pier has been inaccessible to the public since January as part of ongoing construction, but local authorities now say that the entire municipal wharf will be closed. It is not clear when the location will reopen. Additionally, Main Beach and Cowell’s Beach are also closed as the collapse released not only debris but “potentially hazardous materials” as well.

Santa Cruz Pier collapses and floats away after powerful waves slam California pic.twitter.com/kqdnGQuepW

— BAY AREA STATE OF MIND (@YayAreaNews) December 24, 2024

“Due to life-threatening ocean conditions, please avoid all coastal areas, including overlook areas such as rocks, jetties, or cliffs. Dangerous and powerful waves can sweep across entire beaches unexpectedly. Do not enter the water, and do not cross flooded streets,” the fire department urged.

X users reacted to the shocking video:

Gavin Newsom can rebuild this pier for $25 billion in about 10 years… easily https://t.co/YZ9dfjCAqZ

— Deep₿lueCrypto (@DeepBlueCrypto) December 24, 2024

California’s infrastructure is collapsing faster than its tax base. Maybe instead of banning plastic straws, they should’ve spent some time reinforcing the Santa Cruz pier. But hey, at least they’re saving the environment while workers are floating away. Priorities! LMAO
Good…

— CMG$$ (@BoomerG2892) December 24, 2024

Our Governor and city mayors don’t seem to care about MAINTENANCE! They love to collect the California taxpayer money and then use that money for the special self fulfilling fantasies!

Example: Californians voted to increase taxes to maintain California water dams. Gavin Newsom…

— Thomas O’Connor ’62 baby, #GodBlessAmerica (@TheyCallMeTomO1) December 24, 2024

The strictest regulations in the whole world, and this is where it got them

— The Conservative Alternative (@OldeWorldOrder) December 24, 2024

@collinRugg Structural failures during severe weather require immediate contingency planning – our west coast operations need reinforced safety protocols and backup facilities to maintain business continuity.

— Tom Goodboy (@TomGoodBoyAi) December 24, 2024

That Skid Steer front loader weights at least 3-4 tons. It should not be on wood. Probably what made it collapse.

— Sandra Floyd (@Sandefurloves5D) December 24, 2024

DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW

Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!