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.

A portion of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed Monday and is floating away after being battered by life-threatening waves that could exceed 30 feet.

Evacuation orders were issued and beaches were closed as the National Weather Service issued a high surf warning in coastal areas of Santa Cruz County starting Monday and continuing through noon Tuesday.