Construction workers were rescued after a portion of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed Monday afternoon, officials said.
The collapse was reported at 12:45 p.m. following a large swell, authorities said during a news briefing.
Officials said about a 150-foot section at the end of the wharf collapsed into the water. The portion included a restroom building and a part of the Dolphin Restaurant, which was in the process of being torn down.
Construction equipment and pilings were also part of the collapsed section. Officials said the area has been closed to the public since January due to construction. The end of the wharf was previously damaged by winter storms.
Three workers were evaluating the wharf when the section broke off and fell into the water -- two were rescued and the other was able to self-rescue. Minor injuries were reported.
Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said on social media that the governor has been briefed on the previously damaged section of the Santa Cruz pier that broke off.
"The California Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials and is ready to provide support," Newsom's office said, adding residents and visitors should avoid the area and follow local guidance.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Facebook page said just after 1:30 p.m. Monday "Out of an abundance of caution due to large waves and high tide, the Boardwalk, Casino Arcade, and Neptune's Kingdom will be closed for the remainder of today, Monday, December 23."
Get a weekly recap of the latest San Francisco Bay Area housing news. >Sign up for NBC Bay Area’s Housing Deconstructed newsletter.
Monday's incident comes as dangerous waves pound the Bay Area coastline as a series of storms pass through the region.
The National Weather Service has also issued coastal flooding and high surf warnings for the coastline from Point Reyes all the way south to Big Sur. These warnings are in place until noon Tuesday.
The Santa Cruz Wharf will be closed until further notice, officials said.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
🚨🚨A portion of the Santa Cruz Pier has collapsed, and is floating away. Look at the ominous wave action on the horizon. You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water. #CAwx 🚨🚨 https://t.co/5vCNQogvtI
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) December 23, 2024
