3 Fall Into Ocean as California Pier Partially Collapses in High Surf

3 Fall Into Ocean as California Pier Partially Collapses in High Surf
Damage on the end of Santa Cruz Wharf during high surf in Santa Cruz, Calif., on Dec. 23, 2024. Nic Coury/AP Photo
Rudy Blalock
Updated:
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Two were rescued and one swam to safety Monday after a pier in California’s central coast partially collapsed Monday, local authorities said.

The Santa Cruz Wharf, which was under construction, collapsed after facing turbulent waters and hurricane-force winds as a powerful storm passed through the Pacific Northwest seas. The Santa Cruz Fire Department rescued two people from the churning waters, while a third managed to swim to safety unaided.