Santa Cruz Wharf Could Remain Closed For Weeks After Its Collapse
No tourists for weeks!
Officials revealed Friday that a combination of factors, including sea lions and an unprecedented ocean swell, contributed to the partial collapse of the historic Santa Cruz Wharf.
The wooden wharf, over 100 years old and stretching half a mile into the ocean, lost a 150-foot section on December 23. Officials stated they might not rebuild the collapsed portion, citing the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.
At 12:44 p.m. on December 23, massive waves battered the pier, causing pilings, a crane, three construction workers, a bathroom, and benches to plunge into the ocean.
According to the outlet, the storm in Santa Cruz Wharf has already caused at least one death, with another person reported missing.
The National Weather Service said the waves were 30-40 feet high. The powerful surf swept the bathroom into the San Lorenzo River mouth, and pieces of the wharf were found on beaches up to 10 miles south.
- The Santa Cruz Wharf partially collapsed on December 23 due to powerful 30-40-foot waves and storm conditions, with a 150-foot section lost.
- The storm has already caused at least one death, and another person is reported missing, while cleanup is complicated by debris scattered up to 10 miles away.
- Over 2,000 feet of the wharf remain intact, but businesses relying on it face uncertainty as the area may remain closed for weeks.
Impact on Businesses and Cleanup Efforts
Officials emphasized that their top priorities are ensuring public safety and salvaging debris. Beach-goers are urged to avoid wharf wreckage still floating in the ocean between Santa Cruz and Manresa State Beach. Elliot warned, “It’s not safe to be near these items washing ashore, period.”
Currently, over 2,000 feet of the wharf remain intact. When asked about reopening the remaining section, Huffaker stated, “We don’t have a definitive timeframe. Our hope is weeks. I know people are eager for the wharf to reopen, but we can’t until it’s safe.”
Uncertain Future for the Historic Wharf
Santa Cruz officials announced that the Municipal Wharf could remain closed for weeks after a 150-foot section collapsed into Monterey Bay on Monday due to heavy surf. The decision on whether to rebuild the fallen portion may take even longer. At a Friday news conference, officials emphasized their efforts to support those impacted by the closure.
“The wharf is home to over two dozen businesses, especially vital during the holiday season,” said City Manager Matt Huffaker. “These businesses employ about 400 people who rely on them for their livelihood. But we cannot reopen until we confirm it’s safe.”
Engineers are currently assessing the structural integrity of the remaining 110-year-old wharf. Meanwhile, cleanup is complicated by debris found up to 10 miles away.
