2 waterspouts appear off Ho Chi Minh City coast

At around 7:00 am, a large, funnel-shaped waterspout formed over the waters off Bai Sau Beach in Vung Tau Ward.

The waterspout dissipated on its own after more than 30 minutes.

Just minutes later, the second waterspout that was smaller appeared not far from the location of the first.

The unusual phenomenon drew the attention of residents and visitors along the beach.

At the time, only a small number of boats were operating in the area, and no damage was reported.

Phuong Thao, a resident of Vung Tau Ward, said she saw the waterspout at around 7:20 am but was unable to take a photo because she was rushing to work.

“A waterspout also appeared in Vung Tau a few days ago. My husband managed to record and photograph it that time,” Thao said.

The latest event marked the second time in less than a week that a waterspout had been spotted off Vung Tau.

A large waterspout, rising hundreds of meters, appeared over the waters off Vung Tau amid thunderstorms on September 20.

At that time, several cargo vessels were operating offshore.

The waterspout moved toward a rain area farther offshore for about 20 minutes before weakening and gradually disappearing.

According to meteorologists, waterspouts commonly form during severe thunderstorms and are more likely to occur during seasonal transitions or when the intertropical convergence zone or a low-pressure trough combines with abundant moisture.

Vessels operating at sea are advised to closely monitor weather conditions and proactively stay away from areas where thunderstorms are developing strongly, as waterspouts and sudden gusts can pose serious risks to life and property.