Noah's Ark replica flattens other boats during storm

A full-sized replica of the Biblical Noah's Ark has caused carnage when it broke free from moors and ploughed into small fishing boats during a storm in the Netherlands.

The powerful seas and 107km/h winds shifted the floating Bible museum into other vessels in the port of Urk on Wednesday afternoon.

"We have been on the road for years and have experienced many storms, but this has never happened before," the ark's owner Aad Peters said.

Seven people were rescued from the ark, but several animals aboard remained until the storm had calmed down.

The ark itself was undamaged thanks to a strong steel barge it is attached to.

The towering wooden vessel is scheduled to remain in the port until February.

The ark will then sail on to another location, as it tours Northern Europe.