Three people fell into the ocean after Extremely strong waves broke off an approximately 150-meter-long part of the pier in Santa Cruz in the US state of California. The incident occurred on Monday, just before 1:00 p.m. local time. The detached fragment of the structure drifted along the coast for a long time.
What is the best weather forecast? One that updates every 30 minutes. Try the free Interia Weather app. Install from Google Play the App Store
The pier couldn't withstand another storm
As local police chief Bernie Escalante said at a press conference, two people were saved by rescuers on jet skis. The third one, which was in the water, swam to the shore on its own.
Although this part of the American coast is what they haunt very strong stormsthis was not the only reason for the destruction of the pier. The structure had just undergone a $4 million renovation after last winter's devastating storms. However, the weakened fragment could not withstand the pressure of the waves.
Dramatic recordings
One witness, Santa Cruz resident Joe Merrill, told AFP he was working on the pier when it was torn apart. He added that it happened quickly and “approximately 90-150 meters of the quay collapsed“:
The crane, the loads, everything just collapsed. Two people fell into the water but were rescued. We had [tam] divers, boats, everything – said the witness.
Footage of the incident appeared on social media. The following was posted on X by user Smriti Sharma:
Footage of the effects of the incident was also posted on the profile of the US National Weather Service (NWS), with a revealing comment: “Look at the ominous work of the waves on the horizon. By approaching the water here, you risk your life and the life of those who would like to save themselves,” they warned.
At the same time, American forecasters warn that more storms must be expected in the near future.
Dangerous on all beaches
The NWS warns that on Tuesday “on all beaches along the Pacific Coast” there will be “dangerous and life-threatening” conditions. People staying on the ocean shore are warned against strong waves and currents as well as rising waters in seaside towns.
The biggest waves are to be expected on the coast California northern and Oregon. According to forecasters, their height may reach there about 12 meters.
Specialists also expect heavy rainfall in many places, including in the mountains heavy snowfall.
Source: AFP, ABC News, ABC7news.com