I got a reply from my BIL who flew P2V Neptunes.
For what it is worth, he said they were never buzzed by Russian aircraft either aboard ship or on the plane. The one close incident they did have was when they flew close (500’) to a Russian warship.
He said the ship turned on their anti aircraft defense and could have easily shot them down but never fired. He did say they were sweating it out.
Another time their plane caught on fire while they were shadowing a Russian freighter near Maine. They were going to ditch near the ship hoping they would be picked up.
Fortunately, the fire was in a radar in the planes bottom and they were able to extinguish it.
They would have been picked up and well treated, with a free ride to the nearest port of entry. Vodka the night before arrival.
But ditching at sea is always the very last resort. 50-50 at best.
Tell your BIL I'm glad he didn't have to face the worst at sea.