Spectacular Waterspout Forms Off Phuket's Racha Island
A waterspout descended from clouds to sea off Racha Yai Island near Phuket on July 27, creating a dramatic spectacle visible to nearby tour boats with no reported damage.
A waterspout formed in the sea off Racha Yai Island near Phuket, creating a spectacular sight for tourists and observers as it stretched visibly from cloud base to sea surface. On July 27, Phuket Times published images of the phenomenon occurring in Rawai subdistrict, Phuket City, where the rotating column of air descended clearly from the cloud base to the ocean before gradually dissipating. Several tour boats and passenger vessels were present in nearby waters at the time, though no damage or injuries were initially reported. Waterspouts are rotating wind phenomena that develop over open water, most commonly during thunderstorms and variable weather conditions. Although typically short-lived, they can threaten maritime safety if they occur along shipping routes. With the Andaman Sea continuing to experience monsoon influence bringing heavy rain and strong winds, boat operators, fishermen, and sea travelers should closely monitor official weather alerts and avoid approaching such phenomena to ensure their safety.
