FIFTEEN people who lost their lives on Chesil Beach were remembered at a commemoration.

Reverend Dennis Mould led a service at the Chesil Beach Centre before a plaque was unveiled to remember those who perished during a storm 70 years ago.

On October 13, 1944, a Royal Navy tank landing craft was swept onto Chesil Beach. Nine members of the navy crew and two members of the rescue party died.

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Councillor Kate Wheller addressed those gathered for yesterday’s commemoration. Cllr Wheller thinks the plaque is a timely reminder of the dangers posed by the sea.

“It’s really important that we do commemorate these events” Cllr Wheller said.

“There are so many events taking place this year and we can’t say one is more important than another. It was such a tragic thing that happened.

“A lot of children who are lucky enough to have been brought up here understand the dangers the sea can pose. But a lot of those who may only spend a week down here on holiday won’t realise what the risks are. I think a physical memorial like this shows that it’s fine to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and play – but it’s so important to respect the sea.”

The plaque was unveiled outside the Chesil Beach Centre by Cllr Wheller and was designed by stonemason Sarah Klopper. The project has been put together over the last three months and took around seven complete days to be crafted.

Ms Klopper said: “It is impossible to understand what these poor people went through. I hope if people read what is on the plaque they will go away and find out what took place here.

“This is the first memorial I’ve done and I’m really pleased with how it looks. I think it’s important to remember the 70th anniversary as by the 100th anniversary no-one will have first-hand experience of what happened.”