A section of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed on Monday due to high surf, prompting a cleanup effort and raising concerns about the structure's long-term viability.
The clean-up effort along the Santa Cruz coastline continued Friday, days after part of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed due to pounding high surf as city officials try to assess what their plans might be to rebuild the collapsed section. The Santa Cruz Wharf collapse happened at around 12:45 p.m. Monday afternoon, city officials confirmed. The section of the wharf that collapsed included the Dolphin restaurant and one of the public bathrooms on the wharf.
Santa Cruz Fire officials said two people needed assistance being pulled from the water by life guards and a third person was able to get out of the surf on their own without help. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keely later confirmed the individuals who went into the water were city personnel who were assessing the integrity of the section of the pier that fell into the ocean. The Santa Cruz Wharf has been closed to the public since the collapse, as have many of the area beaches due to the dangers presented by debris in the water. Officials with the Santa Cruz Wharf posted on social media Friday morning that city workers would be active in the area by the river mouth of the San Lorenzo River as crews work to remove the wharf bathroom that washed ashore during Monday's storm. The public was being asked to obey the beach closure and stay clear of the area. 'This beach is closed for your safety,' the post read. 'The community's safety is our priority, and we need you to give city staff the space to clear this debris safely.' Local officials are facing some tough questions about the future of the structure that draws upwards of two billion visitors each year. When asked about plans to rebuild the 150-foot section that broke off in Monday's storm during a press conference Friday, the city's mayor acknowledged that remains an open question given the growing risks posed by climate change.'We'd be irresponsible if we didn't ask the question what is the right thing to do here,' said Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keel
Santa Cruz Wharf Collapse Climate Change Rebuilding Tourism
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Partial Wharf Collapse in Santa Cruz Injures ThreeA partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf in California on Monday resulted in three injuries. The incident, attributed to large storm swells, prompted the evacuation of the unaffected wharf portions.
Read more »
Santa Cruz Wharf Collapse Leaves Community in ShockA section of the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed into the ocean on Monday, causing widespread damage and raising concerns about the long-term future of the landmark. Officials are working to assess the structural integrity of the remaining wharf and develop a plan for cleanup and repair.
Read more »
Santa Cruz Wharf Collapse: Assessing Damage, No Major InjuriesThe Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf suffered a significant collapse on Monday, sending debris into the ocean and onto nearby beaches. City officials are assessing the damage and working to ensure public safety.
Read more »
Santa Cruz officials say lifeguards who witnessed wharf collapse rescued victimsTwo lifeguards sprang into action and rescued the two victims who were stranded on the floating remnants of the Santa Cruz Wharf. On Thursday, people from across the Bay Area came to get a look at the direct effects of the partial collapse.
Read more »
Families search for pieces of memorial benches destroyed from Santa Cruz Wharf collapseA bench memorializing David at the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf was swept away when high swells caused the end of the pier to collapse. 'For us, it means everything,' his mother Roberta Rodriguez said.
Read more »
Santa Cruz Wharf Collapse Highlights Years-Long Preservation DisputeThe collapse of the historic Santa Cruz wharf on Monday, attributed to unusually high waves, has reignited a debate over its preservation and planned repairs. The incident exposed the impact of a lawsuit filed by the environmental and preservationist group 'Don't Morph the Wharf', which successfully delayed planned renovations for several years.
Read more »