Holidaymakers can live on a yellow submarine

ALIFEBOAT found floating in the sea after being stolen by pirates has been turned into a yellow submarine for glamping in the West countryside.

Andy Barton, 58, transformed the discarded vessel into camp-site accommodation in Somerset.

It has a fully-equipped kitchen featuring a fridge, hob and sink, a double-bed, single bunk-bed, a dining area with a sofa and an outdoor BBQ and firepit.

The sub was originally used on a large tanker ship called Northsea Pioneer until it was attacked by Somali pirates off the East African coast in 2019.

The escaping pirates stole the vessel and years year the lifeboat was discovered drifting between the UK and northern Spain.

Some friends of Andy’s found the lifeboat off the coast of Portsmouth. They held onto it until Andy decided to transform it.

Andy, a semi-retired engineer who lives in London, said: “The words yellow and submarine just go together.

“I was originally going to do it as a Beatles-themed venture but kids won’t resonate with that now sadly.

“The emphasis is all about the fun and it’s great for families or anyone who is looking for something a bit different and unique.”

Andy managed to get hold of the lifeboat in September last year, and it has taken him around six months to transform it into a hyper-realistic submarine.

The sub has real buttons and control panels, and Andy said: “It really looks like the inside of a real submarine. There are loads of buttons, with lights and sounds too.

“I wanted it yellow because I wanted it visible. It slaps you in the face when you’re driving up to the site.”

This is not Andy’s first time converting transport into accommodation as he has also converted two American School buses into glamping spots.

Andy bought the buses in 2021 in an online auction based in Texas and California.

He said: “I meant to buy one but accidentally bought two – as you do after a couple of gin and tonics.”

One bus is based in the same location as the submarine – Petruth Paddocks campsite in Cheddar.

Andy said he was seeking a location that did not fit a “corporate vibe”, as he was not after anything “too stiff or formal”. And when he met Julian Sayer, who owns and manages the campsite, the two hit it off immediately.

Andy said: “I did a site visit and loved Julian. He’s passionate and fun, unconventional without being too weird.

“It’s an informal place where kids can run around and have fun.”

Andy hopes to be taking his submarine and bus to Glastonbury Festival this year as both are fully portable.

He said: “The buses can be driven and the submarine lives permanently on a trailor.

“We’ve just had our first guest in the sub and hopefully many more to come.”

Having just opened up for bookings last week, the submarine is ready to go for anyone interested in spending some time away in the Somerset countryside.

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Tom Wren/SWNS > Andy Barton and his yellow submarine