Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Is this really a "naval fracas" as reported or some sort of homoerotic hazing ritual? From the NY Times:

According to the American account, as the Chinese vessels approached the American ship, Chinese sailors waved flags and ordered it to leave. The Impeccable, which did not carry large-caliber weapons and was operated by civilian contractors for the Military Sealift Command, told the Chinese vessels that it had the right of safe passage in international waters. But two of the Chinese ships blocked the Impeccable after it requested safe transit, while Chinese sailors dropped pieces of wood in its path and wielded hooks. During the confrontation, the Impeccable’s crew sprayed some of the Chinese sailors with a fire hose, causing some of the sailors to strip to their underwear. [Emphasis added]