In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Utnapishtim's flood vessel is described as a boat.
The flood episode in the Epic of Gilgamesh tells how the god Ea instructs Utnapishtim to build a large boat before a catastrophic storm. The vessel carries Utnapishtim, his family, craftsmen, animals, and seeds of living things through the flood.
The epic gives the boat an unusual design: it is described as having a massive, box-like form with multiple levels and compartments. This differs from the biblical Ark's stated proportions and construction details. The Mesopotamian account also features several gods and presents the flood as part of a divine decision that is not identical to the Genesis narrative.
English translations may use terms such as “boat” or “vessel,” depending on the edition. “A boat” is the simple canonical description of the craft in this ancient flood story; it is not called Noah's Ark in the text.