You must adhere to specific guidelines if you want to bury someone at sea. In the United States, burials at sea are subject to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the rules, the burial must occur at least three nautical miles from land and in water that is at least 600 feet deep. The burial must be done in a way that ensures the biodegradable container will sink swiftly and decay quickly, and the body must be placed in a biodegradable container.
A whole body burial at sea entails lowering the body into the water while it is enclosed in a shroud or weighted bag. The body will descend to the ocean floor due to the weight of the sack or shroud, where it will decay. The Navy has a history of interring sailors at sea, and this tradition is still in place today. The traditional military funeral for sailors who pass away at sea comprises a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
Depending on where you choose to be buried and the sort of service you select, sea burial costs can change. Depending on the location and kind of service, a sea burial in the UK may cost anywhere between £300 and £3,000 for the deceased. Some businesses provide a full-service burial at sea package that includes a ceremony and ash scattering. Others charge less and simply disperse the ashes.
Also possible is marine burial for veterans. For qualified veterans, their spouses, and dependant children, the Navy offers burial at sea. The American flag is folded and presented during the ceremony, which also features full military honors such as the playing of Taps, a rifle salute, and other customs. The Navy chaplain officiates at the service as the cremated remains are contained in a weighted bag.
In conclusion, the practice of interring a deceased person at sea has a long history. As more individuals explore for more environmentally responsible ways to dispose of their loved ones’ remains, this method of returning a person’s remains to their area of origin is gaining popularity. The cost of a burial at sea varies based on the location and type of service, and it is regulated by the EPA in the United States. Veterans and sailors are also permitted to be buried at sea with full military honors.