Among them was retired scientist Ron Cottis, who while not claiming to be an expert in the area of waterspouts, did work for more than 12 years with the CSIRO’s cloud physics division.

Ron lives at Long Beach in Seaview Way and said he was probably the highest Road in the area at an altitude of 56 meters.

“We have a 180 degree view which stretches from the head lands at about Lilli Pilli, the Tollgate Islands, Maloneys Beach and in the general direction of Durras,” he said.

“On the morning of the spout, there was a strong cumulus cloud formation coming out of the west.

“As it approached the coast it swung towards the south. It was very turbulent and could have been as high as 10,000 feet.

“It would be hard to confirm without flying up to look. Except for a couple of sunny but turbulent holes the sky was fairly covered with cloud.

“Suddenly a spike started coming down out of the cloud and before I could get my camera it had reached the sea.

“The series of photos will show how it developed. It started south of the Tollgates and well to the west, which meant that it was very close in.

“It slowly travelled north and at one stage looked as if it was heading towards Maloneys Beach.

“This was of concern as we have friends at Maloneys. However it passed just east of the headland at the eastern end of Maloneys and then dissipated rather quickly.”