Did somebody pull out the plug? Astonishing moment the sea level plunges at a Sicilian port
- ‘Marrobbio’ phenomenon occurred in port of San Leone on Italian island of Sicily
- Locals watched as waters were sucked out to sea leaving seabed visible
- Natural event happens in spring and autumn after rapid changes in air pressure
This is the bizarre moment the coastal water level in Sicily dropped like a plug had been pulling out of a bath due to an incredible natural event.
The phenomenon, known as a meteorological tsunami, was filmed at the port of San Leone on the southern side of the Italian island.
Meteotsunamis are generated when rapid changes in air pressure cause the displacement of a body of water.
Known locally as a ‘marrobbio’, the video footage shows the water level at the port decreasing quickly.
Local media said that the stones on the seabed and the bottom of boats were visible.
According to the environmental group Mareamico who posted the clip on social media, the ‘marrobbio’ phenomenon often takes place in spring and autumn, but it was the first time it had been seen off the coast of Agrigento.
A Mareamico spokesperson said: ‘A marrobbio is a natural phenomenon that usually takes place off the coast when there is a sudden change in pressure and currents.
The coastal water level in Sicily was filmed dropping like a plug had been pulling out of a bath due to an incredible natural event known as a meteorological tsunami
‘In the past few days, there have been strong currents that have suddenly changed direction to the west.
‘The sea level reduces like this after an earthquake or before a tsunami, but Sicily has not reported any incidents of these off the coast in recent days.’
According to local media, the phenomenon was also reported in other parts of Sicily as well as the Pelagie Islands and the sea level returned to normal after a short period of time.
The phenomenon, known locally as a ‘marrobbio’, was filmed at the port of San Leone on the southern side of the Italian island.