Marine researchers spot underwater ‘tornado’ during remote expedition

In a clip filmed by the underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, a tornado-shaped formation moves underwater in the Coral Sea Marine Park and leaves a trail along the seafloor before disappearing.

"We're not quite sure of what we're seeing. After further analysis, we have determined that this most likely was caused by vertical thrusters on the ROV, which caused a vortex moving the current direction," director of marine communications at the Schmidt Ocean Institute, Dr Carlie S. Wiener told Reuters.

Schmidt Ocean Institute organized the expedition - their first where the entire science team was remote.