A boat broke free from its moorings in Devon and drifted most of the southern coastline before being discovered on Saltdean beach.

The vessel, named Noah’s Ark, was moored in Teignmouth but snapped from its anchor on December 22.

It passed several counties and the Isle of Wight, before capsizing on Saltdean beach, with stunned onlookers reporting it had washed ashore on Thursday.

The Argus: The boat is named Noah's Ark.The boat is named Noah's Ark. (Image: Newhaven Coastguard)

Newhaven Coastguard said: “We were tasked to Saltdean to reports of a capsized boat on the beach.

“The boat was located and checked for occupants and a shoreline search was also conducted east and west of the boat.

The Argus: The journey from Teignmouth to Saltdean.The journey from Teignmouth to Saltdean. (Image: Google Maps)

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“Markings located prompted further enquiries and it was discovered the boat broke free from its moorings on December 22 from Teignmouth.

The Argus: The boat was tied to rocks to keep it secure.The boat was tied to rocks to keep it secure. (Image: Newhaven Coastguard)

“It took around six days to travel in a stormy sea from Devon, all the way past several counties, and the Isle of Wight, to Sussex.

“The boat was secured to rock armour and the promenade, awaiting recovery.”

Teignmouth is 152 miles from Saltdean as the crow flies. The boat floated from Devon, past Dorset and Hampshire then past West Sussex to Saltdean in East Sussex.