Are you looking for a unique way to honor a loved one’s ashes? If they loved the water, you’re in luck! Whether your special person loved oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, or earned their living on the water, there are so many options for incorporating their love of the sea into a personalized final tribute. Let’s talk about it!
1. Create a Barrier Reef
Believe it or not, your loved one’s cremated remains can help heal the ocean. With this special service, the ashes are mixed with concrete to create an artificial coral reef, which is strategically placed in the ocean. Your loved one’s coral reef then positively impacts the ocean’s habitat by assisting in the repair and conservation of natural coral reefs around it.
To personalize the coral reef, you can affix a plaque to the exterior with an inscription of your loved one’s name and birth and death dates. Also, in many cases, you and your family can be present when your loved one’s reef is placed in the ocean. What a beautiful and impactful way to honor the ocean lover in your life!
2. Placement in an Underwater Columbarium
Another option to consider is placement in an underwater columbarium. That’s right – a final resting place beneath the waves of the sea. Currently, underwater columbaria are still quite rare, and most are located off the coast of Florida. However, you can request placement in an underwater niche, no matter where you live in the United States.
Perhaps the best-known and most revered underwater columbarium is at the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the USS Arizona came under heavy fire and sank in nine minutes, resulting in the deaths of 1,177 sailors and Marines serving on the vessel. Most of their bodies were never recovered and remain entombed inside the ship.
All 334 USS Arizona survivors were given the opportunity to have their cremated remains interred within the ship. Over the years, 44 men chose underwater interment and a final resting place alongside their fallen shipmates.
3. Scattering on the Open Ocean
Though often associated with the military, scattering at sea is also available to civilians. While the US Navy will work with a veteran’s or servicemember’s family to arrange an official scattering at sea, civilians can work with charter companies or cruise ships to organize an eco-friendly sea ceremony that meets US Coast Guard guidelines.
For civilian ceremonies, charter companies and cruise ships ensure that the vessel is Coast Guard inspected for comfort and safety and that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations are followed. There are enough companies available to allow you to choose one that fits your budget and meets your specific wishes.
The EPA states that the vessel must travel at least 3 nautical miles and to a depth of 100 fathoms (600+ feet) before any kind of scattering can take place. There are fines and legal penalties if you don’t follow the regulations. Also, any materials placed in the water must readily decompose, so plastics and metals are not allowed.
4. Scattering at a Lakefront
In addition to scattering on the ocean, it’s also possible to host an ash scattering ceremony at a local lake. Depending on where you live, it may be simpler to choose a state or community lake as the site for your loved one’s final tribute.
A few things to keep in mind if you choose a lakefront ceremony:
- Inland waters (such as lakes and rivers) are regulated by state and local authorities, so make sure you understand any regulations and follow them precisely.
- Check to see if your chosen lake is a source of drinking water in your area. Most states prohibit ash scattering in a body of water that also provides drinking water.
- For private lakes, you must obtain permission from the owner before you can host an ash scattering ceremony.
- Always use biodegradable materials, such as an urn made of paper, cardboard, or natural salts.
- For more privacy, choose a location with less foot or boat traffic.
Whether you want to host a beachfront memorial service, rent a sailboat, or gather at the local wharf, you can create a one-of-a-kind tribute that pairs your special person’s love of the water with your love for them.
5. Host a Memorial Service on the Water
Rather than scattering at sea, you can instead host the memorial service on a seafaring vessel to honor your loved one’s passion for the water. You could opt for a traditional memorial service on a local fishing boat, complete with a eulogy, music, and all aspects of a funeral ceremony.
Alternatively, you could host a private service where you spread flowers on the water or go deep-sea fishing to honor your loved one. Bring your loved one’s ashes with you on the excursion and put them in a place of honor. After the activity is complete, you then have many options for honoring your loved one’s ashes. You could take them home, bury them in a cemetery, place them in a columbarium, or conclude the memorial service with an ash scattering ceremony.
As you can see, there are so many ways to include your loved one’s passion for the water. And if coordinating everything feels a little overwhelming, don’t worry! You don’t have to do it alone. Your funeral director is available to help. Together, you can craft the perfect final send-off for your loved one.
