'Fascinating,' was one of the words used to describe a waterspout that was spotted near Salt Island this afternoon, September 22, 2015. Photo: Team of Reporters

According to research, waterspouts have long been recognised as serious marine hazards. Stronger waterspouts can be dangerous, posing threats to water craft, aircraft and swimmers. It is recommended to keep a considerable distance from these phenomena. Photo: Team of Reporters

According to NOAA's National Weather Service, the best way to avoid a waterspout is to move at a 90-degree angle to its apparent movement. Never move closer to investigate a waterspout. Some can be just as dangerous as tornadoes. Photo: oceanservice.noaa.gov

“It was a funnel on the back side of Salt Island....It was really fascinating to see,” said a resident of Tortola who made sure to whip out his camera to take a picture of the rare sighting so he could show to his friends.

According to the resident who captured the photo of the waterspout from the Sea Cows Bay area, he has seen waterspouts in the Virgin Islands before but today was after a long time he had seen one.

The waterspout was spotted for just about 15 minutes before it dissipated. "It happened when a storm was passing out on the water," the man said.

What is a waterspout?

A waterspout is a whirling column of air and water mist.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States of America, waterspouts fall into two categories: fair weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts.

Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water. They have the same characteristics as a land tornado. They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.

Fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds. This type of waterspout is generally not associated with thunderstorms. While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, a fair weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward. By the time the funnel is visible, a fair weather waterspout is near maturity. Fair weather waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they normally move very little.

If a waterspout moves onshore a tornado warning could be issued, as some of them can cause significant damage and injuries to people. Typically, fair weather waterspouts dissipate rapidly when they make landfall, and rarely penetrate far inland.

According to research, waterspouts have long been recognised as serious marine hazards. Stronger waterspouts can be dangerous, posing threats to water craft, aircraft and swimmers. It is recommended to keep a considerable distance from these phenomena.