Navigation buoys have long used bells and gongs that ring as waves move them, warning boats away from hazards in poor visibility. Recordings of that distinctive toll later became a handy stock sound for films, games and online videos needing an instant maritime cue. Creators share short buoy clips on soundboards because a single clang communicates sea, fog and distance without music or narration. It remains popular for ambience loops, coastal edits, sailing content and memes where the joke or mood depends on suddenly being out at sea.