FREE boat tours are being offered as part of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Weymouth Town Council is teaming up with Coastline Cruises to offer free boat trips from Weymouth to Portland on four dates in June highlighting the crucial role this region played in the D-Day operations during the Second World War.  

To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the free boat tours are available for Weymouth residents living in the DT3 and DT4 postcode, subject to availability and will be offered first come first served.

The return trips will depart from Weymouth Harbour, providing local people with an opportunity to reflect on the significance of D-Day while enjoying the picturesque coastal scenery.

The cruises will take place on June 6, 7, 8 and 9, with multiple departures throughout to accommodate as many participants as possible. 

Weymouth Mayor Cllr Jon Orrell said: “We are delighted to team up with Coastline Cruises to offer free boat trips discovering more about the role Weymouth and Portland harbours played in D-Day, which served as a crucial embarkation point for the Allied / US troops heading to Normandy."

Kevin Jones from Coastline Cruises said: "We are honoured to be making the MV My Girl available to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Operation Overlord D-Day.

"As part of this special occasion, Coastline Cruises is offering locals a complimentary return boat cruise from Weymouth to Portland. 

"My Girl provided vital military service during the Second World War and will provide an exceptional experience for passengers as they journey to Portland.

"By offering these free cruises, we hope to provide a memorable experience for the local community while honouring the legacy of those who participated in D-Day." 

The cruises will depart from the harbour near Brewers Quay in Weymouth at 9am, 10.45am, 12.45pm and 2.45pm on Thursday, June 6.

On June 7, 8 and 9 the cruises will depart at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm.

The cruises will depart from Crabbers Wharf, Castletown on Portland at 1.45pm and 4pm on Thursday, June 6.

On June 7,8 and 9, they will depart from Portland at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

To book one of the free tours, email dday@coastlinecruises.com giving your preferred and alternative departure and return date and times along with your home postcode. 

Passengers must bring proof of address on the day of the tour (a driver's licence for example).

Demand for the free cruises to commemorate D-Day 80 has been so popular that all the four dates are now fully booked.

Kevin at Coastline Cruises, who we are partnering with to provide the trips, said: “I am thrilled by the overwhelming response to the D-Day 80 anniversary offer. The incredible interest demonstrated by Weymouth residents highlights the enduring significance of this historic day in our community. We are blown away by the response and are deeply appreciative of the enthusiasm shown by Weymouth residents."