Meanings of tall waterspout in English

A tall waterspout lifted suddenly abeam and seconds later Bolitho heard the echoing boom of a gun.

There were several shouts of approval as the ball slammed down hard alongside the other vessel, flinging a tall waterspout high over the deck.

Tall waterspouts lined the enemy's bilge as other balls slammed hard down alongside, but she returned the fire even as she completed her manoeuvre.