Burial at Sea: A Guide

Burial at sea is an often-overlooked concept for many New Yorkers, but it is an interesting and unique way to be laid to rest. The New York City area and beyond have many marinas with plenty of charter services that can accommodate burial at sea. This article will provide you with more information about burial at sea, and how it works.

Why Choose Burial at Sea?

Being buried at sea is an interesting concept for many people. It is not something that is often done today. Generally, burial at sea is much less expensive than traditional burial services. When it is performed, cremation is the more likely option for the interred. As a result, the chartered ship will usually lead the family and friends in a simple memorial ceremony as the ashes are scattered to the wind and waves. 
Some ships will offer services for a burial at sea of a prepared body in a specialized casket.  For cremated remains, the burial at sea can happen at any time after the cremains are returned to the family. This makes it a great option for a memorial service to be scheduled on their death anniversary, birthday, or another special day. 

Costs of Burial at Sea

Chartering a boat for an ash scattering ceremony can start at just a few hundred dollars. Many ships specialize in providing an intimate ceremonial experience for the memorialization of your loved one. Depending on the ship, some companies will offer catering or other add-ons to the memorial experience. 
Some ships also offer “unattended burials at sea,” where the family does not attend the scattering. This method costs even less than a chartered voyage, but may not be as cathartic to mourning families.

Burial without Cremation

Not all companies that offer burial at sea chartering offer services for uncremated remains. For a casket burial, you will need a specialized casket. These caskets have added weights to them and will usually have bore-holes throughout. This lets the casket sink swiftly. The casket must also be crafted with biodegradable materials or metals only. Otherwise, the body can be wrapped in a biodegradable, weighted shroud, which helps the body sink without the need for a casket. 

Memorial Services on the Ocean

Depending on the type of service you are looking for in a burial at sea, the round trip can often take 90 minutes to 2 hours. Longer memorial services, catered events, or non-cremated burials may take longer. This includes the travel time out to the proper distance or depth for the remains. Simpler services or faster ships may have shorter run times.

Legality of Burial at Sea

Burial at sea requires you to follow EPA guidelines within the waters of the USA. To follow these guidelines, the burial must occur at least 3 nautical miled form the shoreline. While a permit is not generally required, the EPA must be notified within 30 days of the burial. Additionally, for in-tact bodies, the depth of the water must be at least 600 ft. In some areas in the southern US, such as the Mississippi River Delta and Florida Keys, the depth requirement may be at least 1,800 feet. For more information on EPA guidelines for burial at sea, click here.

Funeral Services Before Burials at Sea

Funerary services are highly customizable. Many families that choose to bury their loved one at sea will also hold a wake or service at a funeral home first. This can allow friends, family, and community members to pay their respects before the family holds a more intimate ceremony on open waters. With cremated remains, the sea burial can happen anytime down the line. Because of this, many families choose to wait for a special day, like a death anniversary or their birthday. A funeral service beforehand can help provide closure shortly after the death.
Matthew Funeral Home coordinates cremation services for families after the death of a loved one. We also offer wakes for family members before or after the cremation process.

For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.