If you are happy, shoot. The Caucasian tradition of celebrating weddings by firing guns in the air brought one Russian warship to the brink of combat. Only last-minute communications saved a nuptial party from ending with a bomb landing in the backyard.

The amphibious warship Azov had returned to its base in Sevastopol 26 days after completing a combat alert mission off Abkhazia’s shores. When the firing started, the vessel was ready to reply with force.

A crew member said the ship was anchored outside one of the ports. At about 11pm a flare was shot from the shore in her direction, then another one. According to the naval code, that means “Attention!” and “Action!” Irregular gunfire followed the flares, and combat alert was immediately sounded on the warship. In less than four minutes the Azov was ready for action.

Then the night watch officer got in touch with the port officials to get a clearer picture of the source of fire and on possibly getting co-ordinates.

The port’s official on duty reportedly replied that it was a wedding, and nothing to worry about.

However, the local authorities were taking no chances, and the traditional celebratory shooting was calmed.