A retired Santa Cruz Wharf supervisor said old steel fasteners had been loosening and the structure had been slowly breaking apart for years.

Three people were rescued from the wharf. The powerful surf also fatally trapped a man under debris on a beach in Santa Cruz, the authorities said.

A part of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed Monday afternoon during a high-surf warning, with authorities confirming two people had to be pulled from the water.

Cleanup efforts continue at the Santa Cruz Wharf after the collapse during high tide last week. Photos were even captured about an hour before the collapse.

Santa Cruz city officials are keeping climate change in mind as they plan repairs to the Santa Cruz Wharf after pounding surf collapsed a section of the popular tourist attraction.

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.

Mayor, while stressing the value of the wharf in the community, says rebuilding without serious discussions would be “irresponsible.”