The Santa Cruz Wharf partially collapsed on December 23, 2024, due to intense waves during a high surf warning. The incident, which affected around 150 to 200 feet of the structure, has raised concerns about the resilience of coastal infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events.
The collapse occurred at the far end of the wharf, damaging a restroom, construction equipment, and part of the Dolphin Restaurant, which was under renovation. Three individuals—a city project manager and two contract engineers—fell into the water as the structure gave way. Lifeguards rescued two of them, while the third swam to safety. Fortunately, all three sustained only minor injuries.
In response to the collapse, the wharf has been closed indefinitely as structural assessments are conducted. Public safety officials have issued advisories to avoid the area due to hazardous debris in the water. Main Beach, Cowell’s Beach, and other nearby areas have also been closed, with a high surf warning still in effect.
The collapse coincided with a series of powerful storms impacting the West Coast, bringing waves as high as 60 feet in some areas. These extreme conditions compounded existing vulnerabilities in the wharf, which was undergoing a $4 million restoration project to address prior storm damage.
Local and state officials, including Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, have been actively coordinating response efforts. The California Governor’s Office has been briefed, and state emergency services are providing support. Discussions are underway about the incident’s implications for coastal safety and infrastructure resilience.
The collapse has also had an economic impact, disrupting holiday tourism and affecting local businesses dependent on the wharf. Although restaurants and shops on the wharf were not directly damaged, the closure during the busy holiday season has raised concerns among business owners.
