Ashes Scatterings & Burials at Sea

Inspiration for Ashes Scatterings & Burials at Sea

There are a number of reasons why families may choose a burial or ashes scattering ceremony at sea. They may have a connection to the ocean or a particular coastline, or it may be a loved one’s final wishes. Burials and the scattering of ashes at sea can provide a meaningful and uplifting farewell. Here are a few ideas:

Scattering Ashes at Sea

Ashes are often scattered at a location that held particular significance to the person who’s life is being honoured and celebrated, maybe a favourite beach or coastline, or a place they visited as a child.

Holding an Ashes Scattering Ceremony At Sea

A ceremony can be held on the shoreline or out at sea. There are some wonderful companies that can host an attended or unattended ashes scattering ceremony, including on an ex-RNLI lifeboat! Services can be recorded or live streamed for friends and family on shore.

Biodegradable Urns

Biodegradable urns dissolve slowly in the water, allowing a loved one’s ashes to be released gently in to the sea. For some people, this return to nature can symbolise the natural circle of life and death.

Floral Tributes at Sea

As part of a celebration of life ceremony at sea, you can scatter petals of beautiful flowers or light candles that float on the water, or biodegradable balloons or lanterns can be released in the air.

Underwater Memorial Reefs

Underwater memorial reefs are created from cast concrete that can either be placed as a memorial stone to a loved one or they can include cremated ashes that can be slowly released in to the sea.  These special reefs create new marine habitats for fish, and all forms of sea life. The Solace Reef, located off the coast in Dorset, is the first of its kind in the UK.

Burials at Sea

Whilst traditionally a burial at sea is reserved for members of the Royal Navy, or for people with a close association to the ocean, this choice is available to everyone. There are specific regulations in place in the UK for marine burials. To find out more, please go to Burials at Sea.

A Nautical Themed Service at Sea

For a nautical themed ceremony you may wish to read a sailor’s prayer, decorate the coffin with seaweed or pebbles, or create a flag that reflects the character and passions of your special person.

Memorials Following a Burial at Sea

Following a burial at sea, families sometimes place a small memorial stone on the shoreline, as a place to visit and remember their loved one. Children may like to collect pebbles from the beach and decorate them with bright coloured pens.

Find Further Helpful Information about Planning a Funeral or Celebration of Life

If you would like further information about planning a funeral or celebration of life, please go to Funeral Planning Information.

Find Providers of Ashes Scattering Ceremonies and Burials at Sea

To find companies that can help you with a burial or ashes scattering ceremony at sea, please go to Funeral Locations.

For suppliers of biodegradable water urns, please visit Coffins, Urns & Ashes.