A lifeboat found floating in the sea after being stolen by pirates has been turned into a 'Yellow Submarine' for glamping.<br /><br />Andy Barton, 58, transformed the discarded vessel into camp-site accommodation.<br /><br />It has a fully-equipped kitchen featuring a fridge, hob, sink, double-bed, single bunk-bed, a dining area with a sofa and an outdoor BBQ and firepit.<br /><br />The sub was originally used on a big tanker ship named 'Northsea Pioneer' until it was attacked by Somali Pirates off the East African coast in 2019.<br /><br />The escaping pirates stole the vessel and years year the lifeboat was discovered drifting between the UK and northern Spain.<br /><br />Some friends of Andy's found the lifeboat off the coast of Portsmouth - and they held onto it until Andy decided to turn it into a fake submarine.<br /><br />Andy, a semi-retired engineer who lives in London, said: "The words yellow and submarine just go together.<br /><br />"I was originally going to do it as a Beatles-themed venture - but kids won't resonate with that now sadly!<br /><br />"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!"<br /><br />Andy managed to get hold of the lifeboat in September last year, and it took him around six months to transform the lifeless vessel into a hyper-realistic submarine.<br /><br />The submarine has real-life buttons and control panels, and Andy said: "It really looks like the inside of a real submarine! <br /><br />"There are loads of buttons, with lights and sounds too.<br /><br />"I wanted it yellow because I wanted it visible - it slaps you in the face when you're driving up to the site!"<br /><br />This is not Andy's first time converting transport into accommodation as he has also converted two American School buses into glamping spots.<br /><br />Andy purchased the buses in 2021 in an online auction based in Texas and California.<br /><br />He said: "I meant to buy one but accidentally bought two - as you do after a couple of gin and tonics!"<br /><br />One bus is based in the same location as the submarine - Petruth Paddocks campsite in Cheddar.<br /><br />Andy explains how he was after a location that did not fit a "corporate vibe", as he was not after anything "too stiff or formal" - but when he met Julian Sayer, who owns and manages the campsite the two hit it off immediately.<br /><br />Andy said: "I did a site visit and loved Julian - he's passionate and fun, unconventional without being too weird.<br /><br />"It's an informal place where kids can run around and have fun."<br /><br />Andy hopes to be taking his Submarine and bus to Glastonbury festival this year, as both are fully portable.<br /><br />He said: "The buses can be driven and the submarine lives permanently on a trailor.<br /><br />"We've just had our first guest in the sub and hopefully many more to come!"<br /><br />Having just opened up for bookings last week, the submarine is live for anyone interested in spending some time away in the Somerset countryside. <br /><br />Find out more about booking on the website and social media : https://www.yellowsubmarineglamping.com/ <br />https://www.instagram.com/_yellowsubmarineglamping
