A BOAT which broke free from its moorings in Shaldon was found more than 150 miles when it washed up in East Sussex.

Newhaven coastguards were alerted to reports of a capsized boat on the coast at Saltdean on Friday.

It was discovered the 16ft Noah’s Ark had originated in Shaldon before drifting miles along the south coast.

A week earlier, it was thought the Noah’s Ark may have been stolen.

Alex Howarth raised the alarm when the boat went missing from the mooring on the Shaldon side of the River Teign on December 22.

It had been seen the day before.

Alex appealed for help to find the boat which was named after a family member.

Now Alex has been contacted after it was found near Brighton and has asked for help to borrow a trailer to tow it back to Devon.

Newhaven coastguards said the boat appeared to have drifted along the south coast before it was spotted on the beach.

The coastguards checked it for occupants and carried out a shoreline search.

A spokesman said: ‘Markings located prompted further enquiries and it was discovered the boat broke free from its moorings on December 22 from Teignmouth.

‘It took circa 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 and the promenade, awaiting recovery.