Noah's ark collides with coastguard patrol boat

Our pick of the strange but true stories from around the world.

Noah's ark makes a splash

A full-size replica of Noah's ark has crashed into a Norwegian coastguard patrol boat in the Port of Oslo. Harbour workers lost control of the wooden boat, sending it smashing into a crane and opening a huge gash in the side of the ship. The ark was being moved from Oslo to its summer home in Sandefjord and Fredrikstad, where it is used as a floating museum. It is one of two boats built by Dutch carpenter Johan Huibers after he dreamt of a flood.

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Cowboy lassos bike thief

A man on horseback has stopped a suspected bicycle thief outside a Walmart store in Oregon by using a lasso to bring him down. A woman saw the would-be thief ride away with her bicycle. The Good Samaritan jumped on his horse and used his rope skills to end the chase, keeping the suspect tied up until police arrived, local media reported.

No fat diners, says Japan's naked restaurant

Overweight diners have been told they're not welcome at Japan's first naked restaurant, which is due to open next month. "If you are more than 15 kilograms (33lbs) above the average weight for your height, we ask you to refrain from making a reservation," the eatery's rules state. Age restrictions also apply and diners will have to wear paper underwear supplied by the restaurant to "protect personal hygiene".