A part of the Santa Cruz Warf, which was under construction, broke away Sunday.
Reports from NBC News indicate two workers received minor injuries. The two were rescued and transported to a local hospital, while a third reached land on their own.
The partial collapse occurred at 12:45 p.m. PT, according to Santa Cruz officials.
A bystander was able to capture the aftermath on video and posted it on X, formerly Twitter. It shows a portion of the warf in the water.
A warf and pier are similar, but a warf is smaller.
Another second video shows a small, house-like structure floating away after the partial collapse.
The ward, which measures at 2,745 feet, has been a local landmark and tourist attraction since it was constructed in 1914, according to the City of Santa Cruz website.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office issued a statement on X. People were warned to stay away.
“Newsom has been briefed on a previously damaged section of the Santa Cruz pier that broke off due to heavy surf,” per the post. “(California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services) is coordinating with local officials and is ready to provide support.”
Santa Cruz officials said in a press conference that authorities had been ready for possible damage in light of strong storms and swell.
“We also would tell people that we want them to stay away,” Rob Oatey of the Santa Cruz Fire Department said. “We pointed out before, the ocean right now is extremely dangerous, so we’re telling all people to stay away, to observe from a safe distance. It’s the holidays, and we have people visiting from out of the area. Observe from a very safe distance. And if they can observe online.”
The wharf is closed to the public.
