Oct 26 Wharf Incident Update

Published on October 28, 2025

On October 26, 2025, at 9:44 a.m., the Santa Cruz Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle that had driven off the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, submerging into the ocean. Furthermore, it was reported that a subject was trapped underwater.

Upon arrival of the Santa Cruz Fire Department rescue swimmers, bystanders, who observed the vehicle crash into the ocean, directed units to the east side of the wharf, where an approximately 15-foot section of railing was observed missing. Rescue Swimmers then requested additional resources while jumping into the ocean without hesitation to perform spot dives in an attempt to locate the vehicle. Concurrently, additional resources arrived on scene and were deployed to support the mission to rescue the victim and provide immediate medical care once at the surface.

Approximately 10 minutes into the incident, the vehicle was located on its roof in approximately 30 feet of water with markers deployed to identify its location. Immediately after, thirteen rescue swimmers began the precarious task of extricating the unconscious victim from the entangled vehicle in extremely unfavorable ocean conditions. These conditions included frigid temperatures, 8-12 swell, surging currents, and zero visibility.  

With ocean conditions continuing to challenge underwater operations, swimmers eventually extricated the victim from the vehicle and brought them to the surface. Once at the surface, the victim was loaded onto a personal watercraft and swiftly transported to awaiting emergency crews staged at the Santa Cruz Harbor. Concurrently, remaining rescue swimmers searched for an hour to ensure no other victims were involved. Upon the victim's arrival at the Santa Cruz Harbor, care was provided, and transport was made to Dominican Hospital, where the victim was later pronounced deceased.  

On-going operations included the removal of the vehicle from the ocean floor to the wharf while ensuring environmental impacts were minimized. Additionally, a dog was rescued by civilians prior to the arrival of first responders and was handed into the care of County Animal Control.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Santa Cruz Police Department, and repairs are forthcoming to the damaged section of the wharf.  

The Santa Cruz Fire Department would like to thank all allied agencies that assisted with the incident and the brave work of all responders who performed at the highest level of expertise and bravery.