Giant waterspout causes chaos off Italy, sending umbrellas flying and scattering beachgoers

A large waterspout formed over the sea near Scilla in Calabria and reached the Marina Grande beach within minutes, sending umbrellas and loungers into the air.

The vortex appeared over the Strait of Messina before moving rapidly toward the coast. As it reached the beach, powerful winds scattered equipment and prompted swimmers and tourists to move away from the shoreline and seek safer ground.

Video showed the situation changing quickly, with the waterspout approaching from the sea and beach items flying moments later. The phenomenon weakened and disappeared soon after reaching land.

No injuries had been reported, but beach equipment sustained damage. Waterspouts can form when conditions over warm water support strongly rotating air currents. They usually last only briefly, but can lift and throw objects when they reach the coast.