This might look strange, but yes, it did indeed happen. A solar-powered makeshift houseboat drifted across the North Atlantic Ocean from Newfoundland, Canada to a beach on the west coast of Ireland. Authorities in Halifax, Ont. claim the owner intended to use it to go sailing, but he was discouraged from doing so before it broke away from its mooring. The locals in Ireland were shocked by this exotic sighting with no one in the boat, leading many emergency crews on a rescue mission.

Inside the boat was a note from the owner, which read, "I, Rick Small, donate this structure to a homeless youth to give them a better life that Newfoundlanders chose not to do. No rent, no mortgage, no hydro." Rick is an eco adventurer who hails from Ontario; he traveled across Canada on a solar-powered tricycle. The Halifax Coast Guard officials were surprised his houseboat made it all the way to County Mayo, Ireland in one piece. According to Rick, the houseboat measured 20 feet long, 10 feet high, and 12 feet wide, and it was made from timber off-cuts, polystyrene, spray foam, and Perspex windows.

Michael Hurst of the Ballyglass Coast Guard unit in County Mayo said, "I wouldn't like to go out on it, but if you were homeless, it would be like a castle." It has since been secured, and because of its condition, locals are already discussing whether or not it should be restored as a local attraction. From this occurrence, we can learn that minimalism and careful construction using cost-effective materials can still be a good approach to building your own houseboat.

Photos credited to BBC.com