What is a waterspout, which may have sunk the luxury yacht off Sicily?

Sub: Geo

Sec: Climatology

Context:

Waterspout:

A waterspout is a large column of air and mist rotating over a water body.
It typically lasts for around five minutes, occasionally reaching 10 minutes.
The average waterspout can be around 165 feet in diameter, with wind speeds of 100 kilometres per hour.
Although waterspouts are more common in tropical waters, they can appear anywhere.
They occur when there are high levels of humidity and relatively warm water temperatures compared to the overlying air.

Types of waterspouts:

There are two types of waterspouts: tornadic waterspouts and fair-weather waterspouts.
Tornadic waterspouts
- Tornadic waterspouts are actual tornadoes that form over water or move from land to water.
- They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.
- Tornadic waterspouts can be large and may lead to considerable destruction.
Fair-weather waterspouts
- More common, form over only water.
- They are less dangerous and usually small.