Cool air meeting warmer than average water caused a water spout seen at sea from the Manx coast, experts said.
Resident Ben Brooker said it could be seen in Douglas Bay for a few minutes from about 9.30am on Tuesday.
Mr Brooker lives in an apartment on Douglas Promenade and has a camera set up in his window all the time.
A spokesman from the Met Office said: ‘The difference between a water spout and a tornado is that a spout occurs over the sea and a tornado over land.
‘The recent weather patterns we are seeing on the Island meant conditions were ideal for a water spout at the time it was photographed.’
Ben-my-Chree withdrawn from service due to stern door issue
Ship Registry suggests Manxman 'design flaw'
Dance studio seeks planning permission for new premises to Douglas
Countdown champion hopes victory will inspire others with dyslexia