The function of a tugboat isn’t that glamorous, but you may notice it can add a bit of sparkle to its sail on the odd occasion while towing ships.

The vessels have the big responsibility of manoeuvring other boats which need a hand – whether that’s by giving them a much-needed shove, or literally using a tow line to drag them through.

If a watercraft runs into a bit of trouble in a narrow canal or a crowded harbour, you’re going to want to have a tugboat captain on speed dial to help you navigate the choppy waters.

They also double up as salvage boats and ice breakers, while also carrying emergency equipment to help those onboard if something goes awry.

That’s on top of tugboats also moving barges, rigs, and navigating other ships in and out of port.

So in case you didn’t know, they are a big deal.

Although you may have already have a new-found appreciation for tugs, finding out why they spray water in the air while towing a ship might just take it to that next level.

A clip of a tugboat leading the way for a huge cargo ship while blasting out water has been going viral on X (formerly known as Twitter) as it led people to discover the reason behind the flamboyant display.

X

Known as a ‘water salute’, it is a way for tugboats to either welcome or bid farewell to whichever large vessel is moving in or out of port – which surprised a few viewers.

One social media user said: “I never knew this was a thing.”

Another joked: “You have to water the ocean so that it grows!” while a third added: “Finally, an answer that makes sense.”

A fourth wrote: “Same thing is done for planes too, but with firetrucks.”

While a fifth chimed in: “What a waste of water!”

It turns out that this spectacle is actually a sort of sign of respect in the maritime industry, which only happens on rare occurrences and is purely ceremonial.

Fire-fighting vehicles positioned on the side of the tug spray out plumes of water as a nod of appreciation.

Getty stock photo

The tradition, which also takes place when an aircraft lands, is believed to have originated in the US in the 1950s and would be performed when military ships and planes departed or arrived.

It is most often used these days to commemorate the first voyage of vessels or the first flight of a new airliner, while organisers sometimes even add a dash of colour to the water to really make it stand out.

One X user also pointed out showering water everywhere helps to ‘keep the bilges of the boats clean’.

The spectacle also helps wash away debris from the deck, cool the tugboats engines and increases stability.

It can also act as a means of communication to the ship it is towing, or could even be used as a distress signal to alert others the tug is in danger.

You really do learn something new everyday.

Ever wondered why fire engines spray water over some planes after they land?

No, me neither. But apparently the answer has finally been revealed, and it may surprise you.

You may have been at an airport gate looking out the window and bang, two powerful streams of water are shot over a taxiing plane.

But why?

Well, following on from people debating why tugboats shoot water into vessels at sea after a clip went viral, the reason is very interesting.

It happens at sea to welcome or bid farewell to larger vessels that are moving in or out of the port.

Users on X were shocked at why it happens, with one saying: “I never knew this was a thing.”

Another user put: “You have to water the ocean so that it grows!”

But that doesn’t answer the question of why it happens in the aviation world.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol carry out the ritual as a tradition for many incoming planes, and has offered an extensive explanation as to why on its website.

YouTube/Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

In the ritual, two fire engines are parked either side of the runway, creating an arc for the plane to taxi under on the way to its gate.

On its website, the airport states: “Water salutes are used to mark special occasions. This can be anything from the inaugural flight of a new airline or the arrival of a new type of plane to an Olympic team returning home.”

It also highlighted that it isn’t just a matter of spraying water from a fire engine, but ‘the engines need to be positioned carefully, in safe locations’, which is crucial so the plane can safely pass through.

Factors such as wind, the green light from Air Traffic Control and the pilot are taken into consideration, and if all goes well, it will be announced to the passengers upon their arrival.

I can imagine that seeing fire engines, water hoses and flashing lights when you land might not be the most welcoming sight.

YouTube/Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

It is also important to note that firefighters ensure there is enough water in the tankers to put out an actual fire if necessary.

There are, of course, rare occasions where actual fires to planes upon landing need to be put out by the fire engines standing by.

Some people seemed to be aware of these traditions beforehand, but to the many previously confused individuals who though they were getting a drive through plane wash, now you know.

Ok, sure, the idea of a tugboat isn’t particularly exciting – they’re simply just vessels that help move other boats. They’re not exactly the main character.

But, you can’t deny that seeing them spray a load of water into the air as they pass by isn’t at least a little bit exciting. And the reason why they do it has left people shocked.

When a watercraft runs into a spot of trouble while in the likes of a narrow canal or a busy harbour, a tugboat often comes to the rescue.

The small but mighty tugs also double up as salvage boats and ‘ice breaks’ as well as carrying a load of emergency equipment to help the crew on board if things go wrong.

Oh, and they can navigate other ships in and out of port while also moving barges and rigs. So basically, they’re pretty important vessels. And still, it’s the reason why they spray water into the air while towing a ship that shocks people.

A clip of a tugboat leading the way for a huge cargo ship while blasting out water previously went viral on X as users discovered the reason behind the flamboyant display.

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Known as a ‘water salute’, it is a way for tugboats to either welcome or bid farewell to whichever large vessel is moving in or out of port – which surprised a few viewers.

One social media user said: “I never knew this was a thing.”

Now that’s majestic. (Getty stock)

As another joked: “You have to water the ocean so that it grows!” while a third added: “Finally, an answer that makes sense.”

A fourth wrote: “Same thing is done for planes too, but with fire trucks.”

While a fifth chimed in: “What a waste of water!” Although, you’ve got to hope that is sarcastic as surely the water isn’t exactly going anywhere else but into more water.

The spectacle is a bit of sign of respect in the maritime world, mainly happening on rare occurrences and is purely ceremonial.

The tradition, which also takes place when an aircraft lands, is believed to have originated in the US in the 50s and would be performed when military ships and planes departed or arrived.

It’s a tradition. (Getty stock photo)

The water spray is most often used nowadays to commemorate the first voyage of vessels or the first flight of a new airliner, while organisers sometimes even add a dash of colour to the water to really make it stand out.

One X user also pointed out showering water everywhere helps to ‘keep the bilges of the boats clean’.

Plus, it also helps wash away debris from the deck, cool the tugboats engines and increases stability.

It can also act as a means of communication to the ship it is towing or could even be used as a distress signal to alert others the tug is in danger.

Well, salute to the mighty tugboat.

Ever wondered why Five Guys feel the need to serve you a massive pile of fries regardless of the portion? Here is why.

Originally founded back in 1986, Five Guys has since gone on to be one of the major players in the fast food industry, with almost 1,700 restaurants in operation across the world.

Primarily known for their burgers and shakes, Five Guys fries have become particularly popular over the last couple of years.

Which leaves many people wondering – why does the restaurant shove so many chips into the bag?

Five Guys is now a fast food staple for many (John Keeble/Getty Images)

This decision is a topic which has received plenty of attention on social media, with one person joking: “I mean yeah Five Guys is expensive but you get a literal feed bag of fries and a burger the size of your head.”

“Yeah Five Guys might be a bit expenny but swear they give you enough chips to feed a family of 4 for about three weeks in them bags,” a second person commented, while a third added: “I forgot five guys give me every chip known to man when i order a small chips.”

So, why does the fast food chain give you enough chips to feed, well, five guys?

Turns out, it’s all part of a pretty clever marketing idea from co-founder Jerry Murrell to make sure customers feel like they’re getting their money’s worth.

But why do they give you so many fries? (Instagram/Five Guys)

Read more: Lad labelled a hero after ‘revealing recipe’ to make ‘expensive’ Five Guys fries at home

“I won’t name names, but other restaurants just don’t give a satisfying amount of fries. We always give an extra scoop,” Murrell told Food Republic back in 2016.

He continued: “I say load ’em up and make sure they get their money’s worth.

“[Some] people complain that they get too many fries. I just tell them to make hash browns with the leftovers. I teach my managers that if people aren’t complaining, then you’re not giving them enough.”

The choice to overfill your chip bag is also outlined on the Five Guys website, alongside a recommendation for how many people a portion will feed.

“We suggest sharing the fries if you are visiting with other people,” the website states.

“We recommend that the serving size for 1 Little portion is between 1-2 people, and for 1 Large portion is between 3-4 people, although it’s up to you!”

So there you have it; Five Guys overloads customers with fries as an incentive to keep them coming back for more – and hopefully to distract them from the extortionate cost of their burgers.