Circle Line Boat: VIII

Like several other vessels in Circle Line's history, VIII started out as a Navy landing craft. She was originally USS LCI(L)-179, a Landing Craft Infantry (Large), the same class of vessel that became Circle Line VII and Circle Line X. These 158-foot ships were built to carry about 200 troops onto beaches directly, using two ramps at the bow, and served throughout the Pacific and European theaters during World War II.

Circle Line converted her for sightseeing after the war, alongside her sister ships. VIII has since been retired from service.