Pacific Ocean waves turn deadly, cause partial wharf collapse in California
Authorities warn of dangerous surf along the West Coast of North America
At least one man died after a large wave trapped him under debris on a central California beach on Monday, likely due to the storm hitting the West Coast, as reported by the Associated Press.
First responders were called to Sunset State Beach around 11:30 a.m. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Another man was likely pulled into the Pacific Ocean at Marina State Beach around noon and remained missing Monday evening after authorities were forced to abandon their rescue efforts due to the dangerous weather conditions.
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In Santa Cruz, an area about 5 hours north of Los Angeles, a wharf under construction partially collapsed, taking three people with it. Two were rescued, and one swam to safety.
The collapse occurred at 12:45 p.m. PT on Monday "as the result of very strong waves crashing into it," Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said during a press briefing.
Residents were warned to stay away from low-lying areas near the beaches.
Police ordered guests at a waterfront hotel in Capitola to evacuate if they had ocean-facing units.
Ocean swells along California's central coast were estimated to reach 60 feet through the day Monday.
Further up the West Coast, dangerous surf conditions and waves up to 30 feet were expected from the central Oregon coast up through southwestern Washington and British Columbia.
Source: Associated Press