Alright, let’s be honest—tugboats aren’t exactly the most thrilling vessels out there. Their role isn’t glamorous; they simply assist in maneuvering other boats.
But while they might not be the stars of the show, tugboats do have their own way of adding a bit of flair. After all, there’s something undeniably captivating about seeing them spray massive plumes of water into the air. Yet, not everyone knows why they actually do this.
These small but powerful boats play a crucial role in navigating ships through tight canals and busy harbors.
Often doubling as salvage vessels and icebreakers while also carrying emergency equipment. Their primary duty is guiding other ships in and out of ports, as well as towing barges and rigs. But what really captures people’s attention is their water spray display.
A viral clip on X showed a tugboat leading a massive cargo ship while shooting water into the air, sparking curiosity about the reasoning behind this grand spectacle.
One social media user admitted, “I never knew this was a thing.”
Another joked, “You have to water the ocean so that it grows!”
A third quipped, “Finally, an answer that makes sense.”
Someone else added, “They do the same thing for planes, but with fire trucks.”
While some saw it as a waste of water, the tradition actually holds deep significance in the maritime world. It’s a ceremonial sign of respect, performed on rare occasions to mark special moments. Firefighting equipment mounted on the tugboat sprays water as a salute of appreciation.
The tradition is believed to have originated in the U.S. in the 1950s, initially used to honor military ships and aircraft. Today, it is commonly performed for a vessel’s maiden voyage or a new airline’s first flight. Sometimes, organizers even add colored dye to make the water display even more striking.
Beyond the symbolism, there’s a practical side to it too. Spraying water helps clean a tugboat’s bilges, wash debris off the deck, cool its engines, and even enhance stability.
In some cases, the water spray also serves as a form of communication between the tugboat and the ship it’s assisting—or even as a distress signal, alerting others to potential danger.
