Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm pounded California’s central coast on Monday, bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean.

The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet (18 meters) as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon as forecasters warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day.

"We are anticipating that what is coming toward us is more serious than what was there this morning,” said Fred Keeley, mayor of the city of Santa Cruz, where the pier collapsed.

In Watsonville along the Monterey Bay, first responders were called to Sunset State Beach, a state park, around 11:30 a.m. Monday for a report of a man trapped under debris. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office believes a large wave pinned him there. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital. Other details were not immediately available, and his name has not been released.

The storm’s high surf also likely pulled another man into the Pacific Ocean around noon Monday at Marina State Beach, nearly 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of Watsonville, authorities said. Strong currents and high waves forced searchers to abandon their efforts roughly two hours later as conditions worsened. The man remained missing Monday evening.

In Santa Cruz, the municipal wharf under construction partially collapsed and fell into the ocean around 12:45 p.m., taking three people with it. Two people were rescued by lifeguards and a third swam to safety. No one was seriously injured.

Keeley, the mayor, said that section of the wharf had been damaged over time. The structure was in the middle of a $4 million renovation following destructive storms last winter about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco.

“It’s a catastrophe for those down at the end of the wharf," said David Johnston, owner of Venture Quest Kayaking, who was allowed onto the pier to check on his business.

Tony Elliot, the head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that about 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf fell into the water. It was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely.

Some of the wharf’s pilings are still in the ocean and remain “serious, serious hazards” to boats, the mayor said. Each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves.

“You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office said on the social platform X.

The end of the Santa Cruz Wharf that broke off had been shut down during renovations. The portion, which included public restrooms and the closed Dolphin restaurant, floated about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) down the coast and wedged itself at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River.

Those who fell into the water were two engineers and a project manager who were inspecting the end of the wharf, officials said. No members of the public were in the area.

Building inspectors were looking at the rest of the pier's structural integrity.

Further up the West Coast, dangerous surf conditions and waves up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) were expected from the central Oregon coast up through southwestern Washington. Winds could peak near 80 mph (130 kph) and a high surf warning in effect until 10 p.m. Monday night, forecasters said.

In a post on X, the National Weather Service office in Portland, Oregon, said “it will likely go down as some of the highest surf this winter.”

A building floats in the ocean after a wharf partially collapsed Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Santa Cruz, Calif. (Shmuel Thaler/The Santa Cruz Sentinel via AP)

A building floats in the ocean after a wharf partially collapsed Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Santa Cruz, Calif. (Shmuel Thaler/The Santa Cruz Sentinel via AP)

A building floats in the ocean after a wharf partially collapsed Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Santa Cruz, Calif. (Shmuel Thaler/The Santa Cruz Sentinel via AP)

Part of a wharf and other debris floats in the ocean Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Santa Cruz, Calif. (Shmuel Thaler/The Santa Cruz Sentinel via AP)

A building from a wharf collapse floats in the ocean Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Santa Cruz, Calif. (Shmuel Thaler/The Santa Cruz Sentinel via AP)

A person takes a photo of high surf near the Santa Cruz Wharf in Santa Cruz, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

Caution tape closes Capitola Beach due to high surf on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Capitola, Calif. (AP Photo/Pamela Hassell)

Police officers, right, look for building remnants on Seabright State Beach during high surf in Santa Cruz, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

Spectators watch high surf roll in near the Capitola Wharf, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Capitola, Calif. (AP Photo/Pamela Hassell)

Damage is seen on the end of Santa Cruz Wharf during high surf in Santa Cruz, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

A street is closed due to high surf conditions near Capitola Beach, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Capitola, Calif. (AP Photo/Pamela Hassell)

High surf rolls past the Capitola Wharf, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Capitola, Calif. (AP Photo/Pamela Hassell)

A surfer rides a wave at Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Spectators look out at a closed Santa Cruz wharf after the pier partially collapsed and fell into the ocean on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Santa Cruz, Calif. (AP Photo/Martha Mendoza)

Bystanders looks out at a closed Santa Cruz wharf after the pier partially collapsed and fell into the ocean on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 in Santa Cruz, Calif. (AP Photo/Martha Mendoza)

The remnants of a restaurant floats at the head of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec, 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

The remnants of a restaurant float at the head of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

The remnants of a restaurant float at the head of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

City staff stand stand near the collapsed section of the Santa Cruz wharf on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, after the pier partially collapsed and fell into the ocean. (AP Photo/Martha Mendoza)

Law enforcement officers close off the Santa Cruz, Calif., wharf Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, after the pier partially collapsed and fell into the ocean. (AP Photo/Martha Mendoza)

A closed wharf is seen in Santa Cruz, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, after the pier partially collapsed and fell into the ocean. (AP Photo/Martha Mendoza)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec, 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Surfers take to the water as big waves hit the shore in Seal Beach, Calif., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

KURUKKAL MADAM, Sri Lanka (AP) — Pulled from the mud as an infant after the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, and reunited with his parents following an emotional court battle, the boy once known as “Baby 81” is now a 20-year-old dreaming of higher education.

Jayarasa Abilash's story symbolized the families torn apart by one of the worst natural calamities in modern history, but it also offered hope. More than 35,000 people in Sri Lanka were killed, with others missing.

The 2-month-old baby was washed away by the tsunami in eastern Sri Lanka and found some distance from home by rescuers. At the hospital, he was No. 81 on the admissions registry.

His father, Murugupillai Jayarasa, spent three days searching for his scattered family, with little left to his name in those early hours but a pair of shorts.

First he found his mother, then his wife. But their infant son was missing.

A nurse had taken the baby from the hospital, but returned him after hearing that his family was alive.

The ordeal, however, was far from over. Nine other families had submitted their names to the hospital, claiming “Baby 81” as their own, so the hospital administration refused to hand over the child to Jayarasa and his wife without proof.

The family went to the police. The matter went to court. The judge ordered a DNA test, a process that was still in its early stages in Sri Lanka.

But none of the nine other families claimed the baby legally, and no DNA testing was done on them, Jayarasa said.

“The hospital named the child ‘Baby 81’ and listed the names of nine people who claimed the child, omitting us,” he said.

“There was a public call to all those who said the child was theirs to subject themselves for DNA testing, but none of them came forward,” he recalled. Jayarasa said his family gave DNA samples and it was proven the child was theirs.

Soon, the family was reunited. Their story drew international media attention, and they even visited the United States for an interview.

Today, Abilash is sitting for his final high school exam. Solid and good-natured, he hopes to attend a university to study information technology.

He said he grew up hearing about his story from his parents, while classmates teased him by calling him “Baby 81" or “tsunami baby.” He was embarrassed, and it worsened every time the anniversary of the tsunami arrived.

“I used to think ‘Here they have come’ and run inside and hide myself," he said as journalists returned to hear his story again.

His father said the boy was so upset he wouldn’t eat at times.

“I consoled him saying, 'Son, you are unique in being the only one to have such a name in this world," he said.

Later, as a teenager, Abilash read more about the events that tore him from his family and brought him back, and he lost his fear.

He knows the nickname will follow him for life. But that's all right.

“Now I only take it as my code word," he said, joking. “If you want to find me out, access that code word.”

He continues to search online to read about himself.

His father said memories of those frantic, searching days 20 years ago remain fresh, even as others fade.

Over the years, the extensive publicity his family received has also affected them negatively, Jayarasa said.

His family was excluded from many of the tsunami relief and reconstruction programs because government officials assumed they had received money during their visit to the U.S.

The experience also led to jealousy, gossiping and ostracizing of the family in their neighborhood, forcing them to relocate.

The father wants his son and other family members to remain grateful for their survival, and he wants Abilash to become someone who can help others in need.

From time the boy was a toddler, his father collected small amounts of money from his work at a hairdressing shop. When Abilash turned 12, the family erected a small memorial to victims of the tsunami in their front yard. It shows four cupped hands.

The father explained: “A thought arose in my mind that since all those who have died have gone, leaving Abilash behind for us, why not a memorial site of our own to remember them every day."

Jayarasa Abilash, known as Baby 81 after he was swept away by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami, smiles as he speaks to Associated Press at his residence in Kurukkalmadam, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Floral tributes sit at a monument for the victims of 2004 Indian ocean tsunami at the residence of Jayarasa Abilash known as Baby 81 after he was swept away by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami in Kurukkalmadam, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Jayarasa Abilash, known as Baby 81 after he was swept away by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami, goes through his photo album at his residence in Kurukkalmadam, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

People ride past the surroundings of Jayarasa Abilash, known as Baby 81 after he was swept away by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami, in Kalmunai, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Jayarasa Abilash, known as Baby 81 after he was swept away by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami, goes through his photo album at his residence in Kurukkalmadam, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Jayarasa Abilash, known as Baby 81 after he was swept away by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami goes through his photo album at his residence in Kurukkalmadam, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Jayarasa Abilash, left, known as Baby 81 after he was swept away by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami stands in front of a monument built in memory of tsunami victims out side his residence with his father Murugupillai in Kurukkalmadam, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Jayarasa Abilash, known as Baby 81 after he was swept away by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami, stands in front of a monument built in memory of tsunami victims outside his residence with his father Murugupillai in Kurukkalmadam, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Jayarasa Abilash, right, known as Baby 81 after he was swept away by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami, shares a light moment with his father Murugupillai at his residence in Kurukkalmadam, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Jayarasa Abilash, known as Baby 81 after he was swept away by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami, stands in front of a monument built in memory of tsunami victims outside his residence in Kurukkalmadam, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)