The recent sinking of Mike Lynch’s luxury yacht, Bayesian, off the coast of Sicily has spotlighted the phenomenon of waterspouts, their formation, and the risks they pose to maritime activities.
What is a Waterspout?
Waterspouts are essentially tornadoes that form over water. According to the US National Ocean Service, they fall into two categories:
Tornadic Waterspouts: These develop downward from a thunderstorm. They can form directly over water or move from land to water and share similar characteristics with land tornadoes, including high winds, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.
Fair-Weather Waterspout: These usually form in calm conditions along the base of developing cumulus clouds and are less intense than tornadic waterspouts.
The waterspout that struck Lynch’s yacht appears to have been a tornadic waterspout, triggered by severe storms that have affected Italy recently, contributing to flooding and landslides in the north of the country.
The Danger of Waterspouts
Waterspouts pose significant risks to sailors. The primary danger comes from the high winds generated by the waterspout, which can cause damage and injury. One of the most severe impacts is a “knock-down,” where the force of the wind or waves pushes a yacht’s mast parallel to the water. For yachts, especially those with tall masts like the 75-meter mast on Lynch’s yacht, this can be catastrophic. If the mast drops below the water line, it can lead to the yacht capsizing.
Connection to Climate Change
There is ongoing research into the connection between waterspouts and climate change. The Royal Meteorological Society points out that rising global temperatures can lead to more moisture in the air, which enhances the potential for thunderstorms and violent storms. This could, in turn, lead to more frequent and intense waterspouts.
In a notable event last year, the International Centre for Waterspout Research recorded 15 waterspouts in a single day off the coasts of Italy, France, and Spain, highlighting the potential for increased occurrences of such phenomena.
As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, the intensity and frequency of severe weather events, including waterspouts, may increase, posing greater risks to maritime activities.
