RAYONG, Thailand – A waterspout was spotted in the sea near Ban Phe, Rayong, causing a commotion among local fishermen and boaters. The phenomenon lasted for about 10 minutes, leaving the fishing community terrified as they quickly fled to safety. Fortunately, no injuries or damage to property were reported.
At around 11:00 AM on May 12, a waterspout formed south of Koh Chan, near Koh Samet in Rayong, approximately 5 nautical miles from the shore of Ban Phe. The unexpected event sent fishermen into a panic, with boats racing to escape as the powerful tornado-like winds threatened to strike.
The event was captured on video by a Facebook user aboard a boat. The footage showed the waterspout violently sucking up seawater and spiraling upwards into the sky, resembling a dramatic scene from a disaster movie. The enormous white column of rotating wind pierced through the clouds, leaving those who witnessed it in awe.
Luckily, several fishing boats nearby managed to escape the area in time by starting their engines and speeding away. No injuries or property damage were reported, as the waterspout dissipated after about 10 minutes. The weather conditions remained overcast, with strong winds and scattered rain in various parts of Rayong city.
Following the incident, local authorities issued a warning to fishermen and boaters to remain alert to sudden weather changes and to regularly check updates from the Meteorological Department for their safety.
