Terrifying waterspout swirls up out of the sea and spins towards boat as it sails up to a pier in the Philippines

• Huge waterspout appeared in a bay off the coast of Pagbilao, the Philippines
• Passengers on a boat arriving at a nearby pier were urged to make way onto land
• But after 10 minutes the tornadic waterspout lost its force and dissipated 

This is the terrifying moment a waterspout appeared out of nowhere and spun towards a docked boat as passengers rushed to shore.

The giant weather phenomenon was seen extending from the dark clouds in Tayabas Bay off the coast of Pagbilao in the Philippines on August 10.

And as the whirlpool was gaining size, it started to head towards a boat that had just arrived at a small wooden pier.

Passengers were urged to make their way to shore immediately as others filmed the tornadic waterspout, standing in awe at the natural occurrence.

The boat was then taken away from the area while the waterspout moved the opposite way heading in the direction of Albay Gulf where it was also spotted by locals.

Boat crew Eric Dalwampo said: ‘It was the first time we have seen a waterspout. It was amazing and frightening at the same time.

Local Filipinos stood and watched in awe as a giant waterspout appeared out of the dark clouds that had gathered over Tayabas Bay off the coast of Pagbilao on August 10

‘It moved very fast but fortunately, it was heading away from us or it could have hit part of the pier. We were relieved that everyone was safe.’

After almost 10 minutes, the waterspout dissipated but it brought heavy downpours with strong winds in the area for the entire day.

Local reported suggested there was no damage.

Passengers were urged to make their way to shore immediately as others filmed the tornadic waterspout, standing in awe at the natural occurrence

Waterspouts are intense columns of swirling tornado clouds that form over a body of water.

They are most commonly found in subtropical areas and disappear shortly after they come into contact with land.

They are formed when pockets of warm air near the water surface rise suddenly. Cooler air is then sucked into the low-pressure air, which picks up water and rises towards the clouds in a rotating motion.

WATERSPOUTS: DEADLY FUNNELS THAT CAN RISE HUNDREDS OF FEET 

What are they and why do they form?

Waterspouts are whirling columns of air and water mist.

They form when cumulus clouds grow rapidly. These clouds are detached, fluffy-looking and cauliflower-shaped.

Cumulus clouds develop due to convection. This is when hot air rises and cools to form water vapour, which then condenses to form clouds. 

They fall into two categories: ‘fair weather’ and ‘tornadic’ 

(1) Tornadic waterspouts 

These are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water, and develop downwards during thunderstorms.

They have the same characteristics as a land tornado and can be accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail and lightning.

(2) Fair weather waterspouts 

These usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds and develop upwards from the surface of water.

They are generally not associated with thunderstorms and form in light wind conditions so don’t move very much. 

The five stages of formation 

1. Dark spot: A light-coloured disk appears on the water’s surface surrounded by a larger darker area

2. Spiral pattern: A combination of light and dark patches on the water spiral out from the dark spot

3. Spray ring: A ring of sea spray appears around the dark spot

4. Mature vortex: The waterspout reaches maximum intensity, making a funnel shape which appears hollow. It can rise several hundred feet.

5. Decay: The funnel and spray vortex begin to dissipate as the inflow of warm air into the vortex weakens

Sources: Met Office / National Ocean Service / National Weather Service

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