Part of a pier in Santa Cruz, California, collapsed on Monday, sending three construction workers into the ocean.
The Santa Cruz Fire Department said all victims were rescued, two by lifeguard units and a third person managed to swim to safety, but there were no reports of serious injuries “at this time.” .
Local police deployed a drone to assess the damage and confirmed there were no additional victims in the water, the fire department said.
Part of the pier that collapsed is currently under construction and has been closed to the public since January.
The entire municipal pier will be closed until further notice, local officials said.
The incident occurred during a strict surf advisory, and “a large amount of debris containing potentially hazardous materials” was released into the ocean. As a result, the fire department announced that Main Beach and Cowell's Beach were closed.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and warned of dangerous conditions until midday Tuesday.
“Due to life-threatening marine conditions, please avoid all coastal areas, including vantage points such as rocks, piers and cliffs. Dangerous and powerful waves can unexpectedly wash over entire beaches. Water Please do not go inside or cross flooded roads,” the fire department said.
