Inside abandoned oil rig lifeboat as man spent two years converting into 'crazy' home

A man who has dedicated the last two years to converting an abandoned oil rig lifeboat into a liveable dwelling has spoken about the transformative effect the finished project has had on his life. Johnny Sturgeon embarked on the refurbishment of Orla in early 2023 - and despite lacking prior construction experience, he has turned it into a fully functional floating residence.

"678 days later, she is finally finished," Johnny declared in a TikTok video. "So for the very first time, welcome to the tour of Orla." Johnny eagerly introduced the transformed exterior of his vessel home, detailing how he revived it by sealing holes, applying fresh paint, and fitting 1,100 watts of solar panels.

Additional enhancements include CCTV cameras, new windows, grab handles, and signs. Venturing inside, Johnny described how he cleared out decades of grime and diesel residue and removed numerous seatbelts to "make way for a modern home". The tour showcased his bathroom, featuring a composting toilet, "steamy shower" and plentiful storage.

Next, the living area was revealed, complete with furnishings including a dining table and seating, worktops, and a stove. Johnny disclosed: "Where the engine once sat is now my kitchen - decorated with tiles I hand-pressed from recyclable materials. My sink is placed beside a custom-built sliding window, allowing me to observe the outside world as I wash up."

Expanding on his adventure aboard, Johnny revealed that the comfortable benches flanking the vessel's interior served a dual purpose as a guest be. He also took pride in his own sleep quarters, meanwhile, a snug sage green retreat providing plenty of comfort.

And craftily, he had reworked the lifeboat's authentic control panel into practical light