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Waterspout: The Phenomenon Behind the Sicily Yacht Tragedy
Context:
- A recent maritime tragedy off the coast of Sicily has brought attention to a rare and powerful weather phenomenon known as a waterspout.
- This event led to the sinking of the luxury yacht, Bayesian, resulting in the loss of one life and leaving six others missing.
Key Highlights:
- On August 19, 2024, the British-flagged luxury yacht Bayesian was anchored off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, Sicily, when a sudden and fierce storm struck it.
- The storm generated a powerful waterspout that engulfed the yacht, causing it to sink rapidly, leading to the death of at least one person and leaving six others missing.
- The yacht was carrying 22 people, including 12 passengers and 10 crew members.
- Recent studies suggest that the frequency of waterspouts is on the rise.
What is a Waterspout?
- A waterspout is a rotating column of air and water mist that forms over a body of water.
- It typically appears as a funnel-shaped cloud extending from a cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud down to the water surface.
- They are often compared to tornadoes due to their similar structure and formation process, although they occur over water rather than land.
- They generally last between five to ten minutes and have an average diameter (about 165 feet), with wind speeds reaching up to 100 km/h.
- They are more common in tropical regions, they can occur in various climates when high humidity and relatively warm water temperatures are present.
There are two main types of waterspouts:
- Fair Weather Waterspouts: These are generally weaker and form during calm weather conditions.
- Tornadic Waterspouts: These are stronger and form during severe thunderstorms, similar to traditional tornadoes.
- They can cause significant damage due to their high winds, large hail, and frequent lightning.
Impacts:
- Waterspouts, while often brief, can be incredibly destructive. They can lift water and debris high into the air, posing significant risks to vessels and coastal areas.
- The waterspout that struck the Bayesian is believed to have been particularly intense and tornadic, contributing to the rapid sinking of the yacht.