SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Following a significant storm that resulted in one fatality and the partial collapse of a pier, residents along California’s coast are facing ongoing risks from high surf and flooding. The storm’s aftermath has left two men missing in central California, with one presumed dead after being swept away by strong ocean currents. Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated a search for two others after their vessel was found capsized earlier in the day.
On Christmas Eve, the National Weather Service issued a warning about potential hazards posed by large waves reaching heights of up to 35 feet (10.7 meters). This warning was in effect until 6 p.m., as officials cautioned that rogue waves could surprise beachgoers by dragging them into the ocean from jetties and rocky shorelines.
In Santa Cruz, where a municipal wharf undergoing renovation partially collapsed on Monday, several beaches were closed off due to debris and high surf conditions. Residents received alerts urging them to stay away from all coastal areas, including jetties and cliffs, as powerful waves could unexpectedly engulf entire beach areas.
Officials noted the potential for more damage to the wharf, but reassured the public that there had been no additional structural failures overnight. The partial collapse on Monday occurred shortly after midday, causing three individuals to fall into the ocean. Thanks to the efforts of lifeguards, two were rescued, while the third managed to swim to safety without serious injuries.
Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley acknowledged the potential for long-term solutions to better protect the city from the ramifications of climate change. He expressed relief that no serious injuries occurred, emphasizing the situation could have been much more dire. Keeley also pointed out that many coastal communities around the globe are likely experiencing similar challenges.
The wharf, which was in the midst of a $4 million renovation following severe storms last winter, saw about 150 feet (45 meters) of its structure fall into the water. David Johnston, who manages a business located at the end of the wharf, expressed dismay over the incident.
Tony Elliot, the head of Santa Cruz’s Parks & Recreation Department, commented on the evacuation of the area where part of the wharf fell, highlighting that significant pilings remain in the water and pose serious hazards for boats. Each piling, heavy and susceptible to being moved by the waves, could endanger anyone who approaches the area.
Meanwhile, building inspectors are assessing the structural safety of the remaining parts of the pier. As storm conditions continued to deteriorate on Monday, some beachfront properties in California were ordered to evacuate.
In Watsonville, emergency services responded to a report of a man trapped under debris at Sunset State Beach. Authorities believe a large wave caused him to become pinned. He later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital.
Similarly, another man is believed to have been swept into the ocean at Marina State Beach the same day. The search was called off due to rapidly worsening conditions.
Further south, along Carmel Bay, local emergency responders reported that a man remains missing after being swept off the rocky shoreline at Pebble Beach. Emergency officials announced plans to transition to a recovery operation as conditions in the ocean stabilize in the coming days.
Off the coast near the Palos Verdes Peninsula, south of Los Angeles, the Coast Guard continued its search for two individuals after their boat was found overturned. They were initially reported overdue before the boat was discovered.
