RODANTHE -- High winds on the Outer Banks caused 75-feet of the Rodanthe Pier to collapse into the ocean on Thursday.

"It was almost graceful. There was a lot of cracking and popping. The way it slid down was almost graceful," said Scott Trusdale, co-owner of the pier.

About 35,000 people visit the pier each year. Trusdale said the Pier was purchased out of foreclosure two years ago. 

Owners are hoping to reopen the pier by the end of March.