News / floating harbour
Oil rig escape pod for sale as minimalist houseboat
There is a warning for potential purchasers of an unusual bright orange houseboat for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
“Do not buy if you’re not a chatty person, as everyone wants to talk to you about this boat.”
So what is the boat’s back story? It was most likely built as an escape pod and lifeboat for an offshore oil rig, with its sausage shape made to be propelled from height and land in the water many feet below carrying dozens of people.
The 30ft vessel is described in its online listing as a “beautiful and unique” lifeboat conversion for sale at a price of £19,000.
It has a log burner for the winter, powerful solar panels, a canal and river license, a safety certificate until 2027 and is ready to move onto for anyone who doesn’t mind having a chat with passers-by.
The lifeboat built in 1982 was originally able to carry dozens of people to safety – photo: Joe Kelly
The former escape pod has been lovingly converted – photo: Joe Kelly
Main photo: Martin Booth
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