COASTGUARD teams along the west coast were called out on Sunday afternoon after a number of vessels drifted away from the harbour.

Belfast Coastguard tasked both Maryport and Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, Maryport Inshore Rescue and Cumbria Police to reports of multiple vessels unsecured and drifted from their moorings in Maryport harbour.

At the time of tasking it was low tide, so the boats were assessed for damage and secured.

The teams remained on scene to ensure the vessels set afloat safely. Once the boats were afloat and were accounted for, all assets were stood down, and returned to service.

A spokesperson for Belfast Coastguard said: “Five fishing boats broke free at some point in the night and were spotted drifting along the harbour. Coastguard teams searched the area for any potential risks and were assisted by port authorities. All vessels were safely set afloat and debris was cleared.”