This is the shocking moment a massive waterspout formed next to a passing pump boat in the Philippines.

The weather phenomenon extended from the clumps of dark clouds hovering off the coast of Cantil Beach in Eastern Samar province, on April 13, about 15ft away from a small vessel.

Shocked onlookers watched from the beach as it started to gain strength while the boat driver rushed to move away from it.

Fortunately, the boat had reached a safe distance before the funnel-shaped whirlpool caught up to them.

Local Che Benson who was watching the scene from the beach said: ‘My friend told me there was a pump boat next to it. I took a closer look and there really was. I was scared they could be hurt, but we can’t do anything.

‘We were relieved that the fishermen on the boat were safe. It was the first time that a waterspout was seen here.’

A waterspout is an intense rotating column of water forced by a whirlwind over the sea. It is usually funnel-shaped or resembles a tube extending from the clouds above to the surface of the water.

These formations are not as destructive as land-based tornadoes although its force could repel or carry objects on its path, making them dangerous for small vessels.