Massive waterspout spotted near UK coast
Witnesses amazed as rare waterspout forms off Kent coast
A massive waterspout has been observed stirring the sea near the UK coast. Witnesses saw the large vortex spiralling down towards the water as storm clouds gathered above. Anna Blake, who spotted the phenomenon near Hythe, Kent, expressed her surprise. She mentioned that it was her first time seeing a waterspout. “It was incredible,” she stated. “As a sailor, I spend a considerable amount of time on the water. The fact that I could see it so clearly from the shore indicates its size.”
Waterspouts resemble tornadoes but form over water. They are classified into two types: fair-weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts. Tornadic waterspouts are essentially tornadoes that develop over water or transition from land to water. These are rare in the UK.
Last week, witnesses reported a tornado-like event striking the Bayesian superyacht at sea, leading to its sinking. The 56-metre luxury yacht, with 22 people on board, sank off the Italian coast during a severe storm early on Monday morning. Fifteen people were rescued initially, but chef Recaldo Thomas lost his life. Six passengers were missing until two bodies were recovered today, though their identities remain undisclosed.
🌪️ A waterspout was spotted off the #Kent coast this afternoon pic.twitter.com/W0ruYSl397
— KentOnline (@Kent_Online) August 26, 2024
Italian emergency services continue searching for the missing individuals as the sunken yacht lies intact on its side about 165 feet underwater. The vessel sank swiftly, while another smaller boat just 100 metres away remained undamaged.
Questions have arisen about the cause of the yacht’s capsizing, focusing on waterspouts. Marine experts, speaking to The Times, described the event as a ‘black swan’ due to its rarity and the severe impact on the £14 million boat.
Matthew Schanck, chairman of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, commented on the extreme weather. “If it was indeed a waterspout, which seems likely, it’s what I would call a black swan event. If the waterspout dumps a significant amount of water on the vessel, it can cause substantial damage,” he explained.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Need To Know reports on a rare and massive waterspout spotted off the British coast in Hythe, Kent, as Anna Blake describes it as “pretty cool” and “big” despite being on shore.(read more)
- BBC reports a huge waterspout captured off the coast of the Isle of Wight, highlighting the rare and spectacular weather phenomenon.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is a waterspout?
A waterspout is a tornado-like phenomenon that occurs over water.
Where was the waterspout spotted in the UK?
It was spotted near Hythe, Kent.
What are the two categories of waterspouts?
The two categories are fair-weather and tornadic waterspouts.
What happened to the Bayesian superyacht?
The 56-metre luxury yacht sank off the coast of Italy during a violent storm.
Why is the event called a ‘black swan’?
It’s called a ‘black swan’ due to its extreme rarity.
