A 70-metre replica of Noah's Ark broke free of its moorings in a Dutch port, hitting a ferry.

The wooden craft was hit by storm Burglind in Urk last week, pulling bollards out of the quayside.

It was forced through the port by gales, colliding with the ferry De Zuiderzee, which suffered significant hull damage with dents along its whole length, according to Dutch reports.

The ark then drifted into floating piers and yachts, causing further damage.

Seven people on the craft had to be removed by state lifeboats, which came in two by two.

The ark was eventually towed back to its berth.