By Alex Cheney / CBS8 / April 15, 2026
A section of the bluff near the Arch atset Cliffs broke off yesterday morning [April 14], prompting warnings from geologists and local safety experts about the dangers of cliff diving in the area.
The collapse occurred near a popular spot where people frequently jump from an arch that extends from Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Warning signs posted in the area alert visitors to potential fines and possible arrests for jumping.
Natural geological processes caused the collapse, according to a geology professor at SDSU. “This is not an unexpected event here at all,” said Dr. Pat Abbott. The rocks surrounding the cliff are 75 million years old and fracture as the earth moves and waves crash against the cliffside. “And those natural fractures mother nature’s fractures occasionally then gravity will pull one of those blocks off and it’ll hit the ground. And you can even see the fracture edges on that bluff it looks like it was cut during construction it’s so perfectly cut,” said Dr. Pat Abbott.
Local residents and safety experts urge caution for those who continue to jump from the cliffs. A Point Loma resident emphasized the need for experience at this location. “This is not a place for people who have never jumped if you are an intermediate level to an expert level ok this is the perfect place for you to be jumping but if you are beginner this is not a place for you to be jumping,” said Rae-Kwon Goldsmith. The resident also cautioned, “If you know you’re jumping at this type of height and you’re jumping on these cliffs you should know the risk that is associated with doing such,” said Rae-Kwon Goldsmith.
Medical professionals warn of serious injuries associated with cliff jumping. “People still suffer traumatic incidents from getting too close not paying attention so it’s a good reminder that cliffs are eroding and falling apart,” said Jake, a local paddle boarder and E-R doctor.
Coastal erosion will continue to reshape the landscape over time. “As a geologist where we deal with long time spans these cliffs are ultimately going to go in across Sunset boulevard and start eating their way up the hill,” said Dr. Pat Abbott. The geologist advised visitors to inspect cliffs for cracks before spending time in the area, noting that while collapses may not happen immediately, the risk remains. “Doesn’t mean it’s going to come down today it might be 20 years but I don’t want to be near it I don’t want it to be my day that it decides to come down,” said Dr. Pat Abbott.
Jim Grant’s Photos
Oh my!!
A comment on, “Sunset Cliffs Continue to Erode — Bluff Section Broke Off April 14th — UPDATED” The article showed a photo of The Needle, which was approximately Southwest of Hill Street. One morning when I went to 6th Grade class at Sunset View Elementary School, there was much excitement among the students because several had witnessed The Needle collapse the night before! People has since asked me when that happened, but all I know is that I left elementary school to enroll in Dana Junior High School in Fall of 1959.
There used to be a smaller needles eye out in the surf area. It was barely visible from the water line. While out surfing in the 1960’s I watch in amazement as Tom Lockwood threaded the needle eye on his surfboard.