A former landing craft from the Vietnam War travelled on a lorry from Tilbury docks to Hunstanton yesterday to join the Searle's Sea Tours fleet.

The new arrival will be called Waler, after the first name initials of William Searle, daughters Aimee and Laura, wife Elizabeth/Lizzie and daughter Rachel. His two other boats, Wiley, also known as the famous Wash Monster, and Wizzy, Wash Monster 2, are also named after his and his wife's first name initials.

The boat had an eventful trip as its axle broke on the A1 between Cambridge and Peterborough, causing delays.

Mr Searle, director of Searles Sea Tours, said: 'Last year we could not cope with the number of visitors on our seal safaris. We had about 25,000, with just one machine running.

'These boats were built for the Vietnam War, and are the best amphibious craft. I've got this one from the French Navy. It was very expensive, but I don't want to say how much.'

All three boats are expected to become regular sights off Hunstanton beach next summer, as they takes tourists out to see the seals.