A large container ship and other vessels appear to be hovering in the sky off the coast of Kent, UK, in this footage taken on 24 June from Minster on Sea.

The optical illusion shown in the video makes the vessel look as if it is floating above the water's surface.

Locals appeared to be baffled by the sight of the huge container ship "floating" in mid-air, even though container ships are a common sight as they make their way up the River Thames to London.

The illusion is known as Fata Morgana and it's caused when rays of light pass through ai layers of different temperatures.

Footage at the end shows the Maunsell sea forts (Shivering Sands Fort and Red Sands Fort) appearing to also hover in mid-air.

A large container ship and other vessels appear to be hovering in the sky off the coast of Kent, UK in this footage taken on 24 June from Minster on Sea.

The optical illusion shown in the video makes the vessel look as if it is floating above the water's surface.

Locals appeared to be baffled by the sight of the huge container ship 'floating' in mid-air, even though container ships are a common sight as they make their way up the Thames to London.

Footage at the end shows the Maunsell sea forts (Shivering & Red Sands) appearing to also hover in mid-air.