Crane that sank now lifted in major step for Santa Cruz Wharf

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Crews are working this weekend to remove debris, including a sunken crane, from the Santa Cruz Wharf.

This effort follows a partial collapse in December 2024, when a 150-foot section of the wharf fell into the ocean due to powerful waves.

The U.S. Coast Guard is overseeing the operation, ensuring safety and preventing pollution.

"Once the lift happens, then we have visual observers around it," John Thompson of the Coast Guard said. "That's why there's the boom around it as well, to make sure that when it does get to the water line, that they're able to continue into any sort of pollution that comes off of the crane."

Diver teams are also in the water, checking for loose parts or leaks before the full lift can continue.

"One of the major reasons why we have divers in the water is they're doing a visual confirmation of it to make sure that there's no loose hoses, nothing's seeping out before the lift happens," Thompson said.

Looking ahead, the city plans to rebuild the damaged end of the wharf and extend it by about 1,100 square feet.

"The current design of the all five is going to be a pretty open four front," Mike Godsy, Santa Cruz Superintendent of Parks and Recreation said. "With that sea lion viewing hole so people can have fun watching the sea lions. We'll have an informational kiosk out there for people to kind of read and learn about the marine environment."

While restaurants aren't part of the current plans, the city emphasizes community involvement in shaping the future of the wharf.

"We're excited to see that it's moving along after six months," Matthew Malvini from San Jose said.

Visitors are hopeful about the recovery.

"I'm sure there's just a lot of debris they got to pick up, so. But we're glad that they're working on it and making the ocean clean again," Malvini said.

The crane removal is expected to wrap up by Sunday night, with wharf reconstruction set to start this fall. Businesses on the wharf remain open during the work.