Which of the following is an example of an auditory distress signal?

Sounding a fog horn continuously is recognized as an auditory distress signal. This type of signal is specifically designed to attract attention and indicate an emergency situation. In maritime contexts, sound signals play a crucial role in communication, especially in situations where visibility might be limited or when visual signals may not be seen by nearby vessels.

Auditory signals like a continuous fog horn are standard practice as they are capable of traveling over long distances, cutting through environmental noise, and alerting nearby vessels to the distress of a ship or person. The use of sound for distress signaling is supported by maritime safety guidelines to ensure an effective response from nearby vessels.

In contrast, the other choices involve visual or physical actions that may not effectively alert those nearby, especially in situations where sound is necessary due to distance or obstruction.