A section of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed on Monday afternoon, December 23, 2024, during a high-surf warning. Authorities confirmed that two people required rescue from the water. The collapse occurred around 12:45 p.m., according to Santa Cruz officials. This was just one of several weather-related incidents in the region, with high surf and flooding causing numerous road closures and coastal evacuations in Capitola.
The National Weather Service Bay Area X account shared video of the collapse at 1:11 p.m., showing a portion of the wharf floating away amid significant wave action. The post warned of the life-threatening danger of entering or approaching the water. Santa Cruz Fire confirmed that two people needed assistance from lifeguards, while a third person escaped the surf unaided. The Santa Cruz Police Department also responded to the scene.
The wharf has been closed until further notice, and the public is urged to stay away. Mayor Fred Keeley addressed the incident, explaining that the collapsed section, which included the Dolphin restaurant and a public bathroom, was already slated for demolition and repair. He confirmed that the individuals in the water were city workers, and that all were accounted for without injury. This area of the wharf had been closed to the public since January 2024. The mayor detailed significant damage, including the loss of numerous pilings, a large portion of the wharf deck, and the restroom and restaurant remnants. He stressed the danger of remaining debris in the water, urging people to stay off the beach and out of the water. City personnel were assessing the wharf’s structural integrity in anticipation of further storm impacts.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed he was briefed on the situation, and the California Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials to provide support. The collapse follows a high surf warning, in effect until noon Tuesday, predicting waves of 30 to 35 feet along the coast. Tragically, further south at Sunset State Beach, a man died after being trapped under debris by a large wave.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk closed its attractions—the Boardwalk, Casino Arcade, and Neptune’s Kingdom—due to weather conditions. However, the Boardwalk Bowl remained open. The wharf had previously sustained damage during the January 2023 bomb cyclone.
The high surf caused additional problems, with the California Highway Patrol confirming flooding closures on several roads, including East Cliff Drive, shortly after 3 p.m. Evacuations occurred in Capitola after flooding from high surf closed Capitola Village; residents were advised to shelter in place, and the Capitola Venetian Hotel was evacuated. This is a developing story.