Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley reiterated in a news conference that in the coming days, the city’s focus will remain on the immediate response and cleanup effort. However, he added, the city

The famed Santa Cruz Wharf on the California coast will remain indefinitely closed until further notice after part collapsed this week with city leaders fearing for its future due to growing effects of climate change.

SANTA CRUZ — Three workers inspecting the Santa Cruz Wharf fell into the choppy ocean waves and had to be rescued after part of the structure collapsed Monday, said city officials who fear the next storm could cause more damage. Two of the victims were rescued from the waters by lifeguards and a third self-rescued, officials said.

A witness, just 20 yards away, recounted the moments when several massive waves slammed into the pilings of the Santa Cruz Wharf, sending the end of the wharf and three people into the ocean.

Drone video from Monday (December 23) showed a portion of the Santa Cruz Wharf in Santa Cruz, California that collapsed after it was hit by strong waves.

The community still in shock as the iconic coastline in Santa Cruz is filled with dangerous debris, just 24 hours since a portion of the Santa Cruz wharf crashed into the ocean.