A sea burial is the disposal of a human or remains in the ocean, typically from a ship. Sea burials were common in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in areas with large naval fleets, such as the British Royal Navy and the United States Navy. They were often seen as a more dignified and honorable form of burial than land burials, which were often seen as crowded and unhygienic.
There are a few different ways that a sea burial can be conducted. The most common is to simply weigh the body down with rocks or other heavy objects and then push it overboard. The body will then sink to the bottom of the ocean, where it will decompose.
Another method is to place the body in a type of container and then lower it into the water. This method is often used when the person being buried has specific wishes for their burial, such as wanting their ashes scattered at sea.
Within this century, though, more modern techniques have been developed, mainly cremation and scattering the ashes into the ocean. Many public personalities and citizens do opt for a sea burial. Whether it be philosophical, cultural, or personal.
Who Has Been Buried at Sea?
In this day and age, many different options are available when it comes to burial. From traditional methods like burial in the ground or cremation to more modern methods like scattering the ashes into the ocean,
For sea burials, here is a selection of famous people who have undergone the process:
John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr.
One of the most famous people to be buried at sea is John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr., known as the son of US President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and he died in a plane crash in 1999. His ashes are off the coast of Martha's Vineyard, where he had been heading and piloting his plane to. He was with his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette, both of which were also buried at sea.
Robin Williams
Robin Williams was another famous individual who was buried at sea. After a career of acting in various comedy and drama movies and shows, Williams died by suicide in 2014. While there were a variety of public tributes for the well-known and well-loved actor, his death certificate states that Williams was cremated upon his passing. It is also indicated that his ashes were eventually scattered in the San Francisco Bay near his home.
Alan Shepard
Alan Shepard was an American astronaut who was the first person to travel into space in 1961, accompanying other famous names during the first landing on the moon in 1971. Shepard was also recognized as an American Naval officer, flag officer, and test pilot. When he died in 1998, his ashes were scattered in the Atlantic Ocean. Shepard's wife, who died shortly after, also had her ashes scattered with his.
H.G. Wells
H.G. Wells was a dignified British author who was best known for his science fiction novels. Titles such as "The Time Machine" and "The Invisible Man" has been quite a hit with people around the world, garnering film adaptations that drew acclaim to his name. He died in 1946, and his ashes were scattered in the Old Harry Rocks. Wells was a pioneer in the genre of science fiction, and his burial at sea was seen as a way for his family to honor his memory.
Esther Williams
Esther Williams was a competitive swimmer who transitioned into becoming an actress and business women. She died in 2013, and her ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean. She chose this method of disposition because she wanted her ashes to be scattered in the Pacific Ocean, which was where she had originally learned how to swim. Essentially, she returned to her roots and her favorite place in the world.
Vincent Price
Vincent Price was a versatile American actor who was known for his roles in horror films, as well as stage plays, television, and radio. Aside from being a broadcasting sensation, he is remembered for his tastefulness and art collection. Price died in 1993 due to lung cancer Price was a legend in the horror genre. He chose this method of disposition because he wanted his ashes to be scattered in Point Dume in Malibu, California.
Sir Edmund Hillary
Sir Edmund Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist. He was known for becoming one of the first people to summit Mount Everest, and he also helped establish the Himalayan Trust to provide health services in Nepal. Hillary passed away in 2008, and his ashes were scattered in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland, New Zealand. This was the same place where Hillary learned to sail as a young boy.
Why Choose the Sea as Your Final Resting Place?
One main reason why people choose to have their ashes scattered at sea is that it is seen as a very peaceful and natural way to return to the earth. When you die, your body returns to the elements from which it came, and what could be more natural than that? On top of that, the sea is also a very symbolic place, and for many people, it represents freedom and new beginnings.
Arranging a Sea Burial
The actual process of arranging a sea burial is fairly simple, especially when you get in touch with one of us at Ashes 2 Oceans. We will be able to advise you on the best way to go about it, as well as take care of obtaining a permit, setting up at a suitable location, and the ceremony for scattering the oceans.
Conclusion
There are plenty of reasons why people choose to have their ashes scattered at sea. If you are considering this option for yourself or a loved one, visit ashes2oceans.com to learn more about our services.
Contemplating arranging sea burials? The Ashes Scattering service in California specializes in the scattering of loved ones' ashes in the sea. Get in touch with us today.
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