Not expecting that headline, were you? But it’s not a joke, it’s a nightmare for the ark’s owner (not Noah) and local authorities in Ipswich, England. The supposed replica of the Biblical ark has been ruled ‘not seaworthy by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and not allowed to sail.
Meanwhile, because its paperwork was not in order, it’s racking up unpaid fines of £500 a day. It originally arrived in November 19 from the Netherlands, and was due to leave again in March after welcoming about 15,000 visitors onboard. Then the pandemic, and then the ruling from MCA.
The owner, Dutch TV and theater producer Aad Peters, wants it back in its home port and back in business; he posted on Facebook that “The Ark needs to move…this Old Testament ship with the Tree of Life and He who brought forgiveness on board needs to be in motion again.”
The ark was towed to Ipswich, and would return to the Netherlands the same way if negotiations succeed; discussions are now taking place involving MCA, the Department for Transportation, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Inspectorate of Human Environment and Transport.
At least it’s not raining…
Oh, and if you’d like to take a look inside for yourself, try this video…
