SANTA CRUZ, Calif. –

The high surf caused devastating damage to the port of Santa Cruz. The huge waves rolled in during the day and night on Monday.

These waves broke apart the docks, smashed boats, and left debris floating everywhere.

The upper harbor area smelled of gasoline, and boat owners told KSBW they were asked to turn off power to prevent fires.

“The boats were rocking around, some docks were floating around,” boat owner Sam Forbes-Roberts said. “There was a boat upside down out there in the canal.”

Boat owner Michael Gurga said he saw boats coming loose from the docks.

“This other boat that was behind me came by with no one in it and a dock attached to it,” Gurga said.

These high surf also caused evacuation orders to go into effect for Capitola Village, Rio del Mar, Beach Drive and the Los Olas area.

“There is a lot of debris on the beach and tidal waves in the river,” said Rio del Mar resident Eliza Linley.

Capitola spent Monday night preparing the beach for incoming waves by building a sand wall. Residents said they hoped the area would emerge with minimal damage.

“The poor little village has been through a lot. I hope the restaurants are OK and that the people of the Venetian are doing well,” Capitola resident Sally Jenks said.

However, those living on boats in Santa Cruz Harbor said they had already suffered extensive damage and financial losses.

“I’ve been on my boat for about four years and I’ve never seen anything like it,” Forbes-Roberts said.

Despite the safety risk, boat owners were on the docks Monday evening. They said they were trying to reinforce the ropes to prevent further damage and their boats from breaking away.

“We’re just trying to take care of our boats because we live on them,” Gurga said.

“It’s our home, so I’m here trying to protect not only my boat, but the boats around me,” Forbes-Roberts said.

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