The Imperial British Fleet fired first, precisely on time and directly at the massed Zanzibari men on shore, the Zanzibari immediately fired back. At 9:05, despite it's impossible position, the H.H.S. Glasgow opened fire on the enemy.
Kikosi cha meli cha Uingereza kilishambua kwanza, kwa usahihi kwa wakati huo na moja kwa moja kwa wanaume wa kiZanzibari waliojikusanya ufukoni, Zanzibari mara moja wakajibu mashambulizi. Mnamo saa 3:05, pamoja na sehemu yake ngumu, meli H.H.S. Glasgow ilimfyatulia adui.