Bright blue lights flicker across ocean in spectacular and unusual natural event

Passengers on a ship off the coast of Taiwan have recorded a beautiful natural phenomenon known as "sea sparkle", where blue lights seem to dance in the ocean.

Local resident Andy Chow witnessed the event last month while travelling near the Matsu Islands.

Bright, fast-moving lights are seen moving all around the bow of the boat as it cruises in the darkness.

The effects are caused by growing algae called Red Noctiluca, which emit light underneath the ocean and can be seen from the surface as a blue light.

"Sea sparkle" can sometimes be witnessed between April to August of every year.