Crane at risk of collapsing by Capitola Wharf

CAPITOLA, Calif. (KION)

UPDATE 1/2/20 9 P.M. -- The Capitola Wharf will be closed through the weekend and possibly much of next week as well, according to KPIX.

It comes as the damage from high surf is proving to be a difficult fix. Two pylons from the wharf broke below a large crane. Images show the pylons detached and are not supporting the beams above them. Crews were at the wharf Thursday trying to make temporary repairs.

"This is a more complicated fix because of the crane," Steve Jespert, Public Works Director, said.

This is a developing story.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

A crane that had structural damage as a result of high waves is at risk of collapsing by the Capitola Wharf.

Officials tell KION the fire department closed the wharf a couple hours earlier because of the high waves. There is currently no threat to people, but we are told area structures are at risk including the Capitola Bait Shop and Wharf House restaurant.

A Soquel man was fishing when he heard the pylons below the pier snap.

“It was brushing and the waves were coming through the cracks. Boom. Boom. I heard it snap, and I thought it was the boards coming through,” Mark Feles said.

The owner of the Bait Shop tells KION, they're used to the Wharf closing, but wished the proper renovations would have been made by now to prevent storm damage.

Locally, voters passed a measure that gives funding, in part, to renovations on the wharf. However, that process hasn't began.

Capitola Police said the wharf will remain closed until it is inspected. The timing is largely dependent on the high surf.