Several vessels in West Cumbrian harbour were deliberately untied from their moorings.
Whitehaven and Maryport Coastguard rescue teams, Maryport Inshore Rescue and Cumbria police were called to Maryport Harbour when it was discovered.
Several boats in the harbour are used for commercial fishing.
Multiple vessels had drifted.
The fishing vessel Charisma, which sells fresh fish from the harbourside, ended up on the other side of the pier from where it is normally moored.
When the rescue teams and police called, it was low tide so the vessels were inspected for damage and teams remained on scene to ensure they set afloat.
A spokesman for Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team said: “Once the boats were afloat and all boats were accounted for, all assets were stood down, and returned to service.”