A bizarre modern-day naval battle broke out on River Thames in London Wednesday, as part of a campaign backing Britain’s exit from the European Union.
But unlike the seafaring battles of Britain’s past, obnoxious pop music was used by each side to annoy their enemies and cannons were only used to fire water.
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It all started when UK Independence Party Leader Nigel Farage joined one of about 30 boats filled with Scottish fisherman protesting the EU’s fishing polices.
The majority of Britain’s fishing industry is in favour of the so-called Brexit – British Exit – because they feel the Common Fisheries Policy, which sets the rules about where boats can fish in the EU to conserve fish stocks, is unfair.
But soon after Farage’s boat set sail, it was greeted by boats of “remain” supporters who want the U.K. to stick with the EU.
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Aboard one of those boats was philanthropist Bob Geldof, who then launched a verbal assault on Farage accusing him of being a “fraud,” adding that he should “go back down the river because you are up one without a canoe or a paddle.”
Here’s where things got strange.
Geldof’s pro-remain boat began blaring pop music to drown out the pro-Brexit protesters.
More “remain” supporters began showing up in boats of all shapes and sizes – including dinghies.
Then pro-Brexit fishermen began spraying Geldof’s boat with water.
But the battle hit a fever pitch when a Brexit supporter seemingly rammed into Geldof’s boat.
The 2016 “Battle of the Thames” quickly became a hit on social media, where many Brits poked fun at the entire ordeal and apologized to tourists visiting London.