By James Gant For Mailonline
Published: 10:23 BST, 11 May 2019 | Updated: 10:24 BST, 11 May 2019
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A huge waterspout terrified people in Singapore today as they feared they were about to be swallowed by a tornado.
The incredible act of nature was caused by powerful thunderstorms as water was sucked towards the clouds to form the swirling, columnar vortex.
Astonishing footage shows the whirlwind of water just off the coast in the iconic Marina Bay, close to the Tanjong Pagar Terminal of the area's port.
The waterspout formed off the coast of Singapore, near the iconic Marina Bay and Tanjong Pagar Terminal
Six ships were floating nearby, with two of the smaller boats even sailing towards it as it makes a small whirlpool in the sea.
But as the waterspout hurtled towards the coastline, it lost its power and vanished after around 20 minutes.
It was followed with a rainstorm but did not return.
Surprised witnesses posted clips of the scene on social media.
Six ships were floating near the waterspout, with two of the smaller boats even sailing towards it
Grace Ng posted a clip on Facebook from his flat and said he first saw the waterspout at 9am.
She told CNA: 'The waterspout was very weak at first, and it kept disappearing and reappearing.
'But it came closer and then it grew larger. So we managed to take a good shot when the sky was very clear.'
Another added: 'Tornado is real.. Amazing and scary, first time.'
David Johnson and wife Teri Caldwell from Newton GEMS claimed they spotted the vortex at 8.45am.
