Burial detail (spreading ashes at sea)

[s/v Faith]

I was reading the local Craig's List postings this morning and came across a post from someone looking for help in spreading his brothers ashes.

I need a ride three miles out into the Gulf of Mexico to spread my brothers ashes.

I have a state form to complete listing boat, port, longitude and latitude where
ashes are dispersed. Sail or power boat does not matter. The ride out will be for
myself and one other to spread the ashes, say a few words and then return. I am trying to
complete this by the 25th of June.

I can pay $50.00 toward gas/time to take us out and back. Please, if you could help or
know someone with a boat who may be willing to take us out to spread the ashes I would
appreciate the assistance.

Thank you.

  I contacted them and offered the service of s/v Faith and her crew.  It seems appropriate, and
would be an honor to assist in granting a final wish.

  I have spread ashes before.  I did this for my best friend who passed away, but that was on a farm.

I have no problem conducting a funeral, I lost enough friends at Camp Lejenue to be more of an expert then I care to be.

I wonder if anyone here has every been a part of a spreading ashes at sea evolution before? 

[CharlieJ]

good lord!!!!!!!

The things bureaucracy can get wrapped up in!!!!!!

When a certain wife's brother passed, she simply carried his ashes to the channel and spread them at sunrise on an outgoing tide. NO ONE was told about it, because it wasn't anyone else's business.

Spreading on shore requires no notification of anyone-why should spreading at sea or in a bay?

Oh man do I get P.O'd at interference like this....

[ThistleCap]

Yes, I skippered a charter boat which regularly did burials at sea.  We went offshore, but I certainly didn"t record lat-longs.  I used the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer for the service.  Other denominations undoubtedly do it as well, but the entire service was laid out word for word,  The only thing that was necessary was inserting relevant or favorite prayers or readings.  My take on burials at sea is this---On any given weekend, thousands upon thousands of charcoal grillers are dumped into the waters or on the beaches.  Contained therein are unburned hydrocarbons and partially cooked or discarded pieces of meat, grease and scraps of aluminum foil.  That is not only legal, but not even given a second thought.  Cremation is totally different.  Nearly any bacteria or virus is destroyed at 400-500 degrees.  By law, a cremation must be done at a minimum of 14,000 degrees F.  Most all are done at 18,000 to 20,000 degrees for 2 to 3 hours.  To be totally blunt, regardless of what the person died of, the remains are undoubtedly cleaner than the fresh produce at your local grocery.  I have absolutely no reservation doing a burial at sea, in the bay, or in the cleanest, freshest stream.  For his or her final request, I feel a person's desire to rest in their favorite place should be honored and respected.  Don't ask, don't tell certainly applies here.  

[s/v Faith]

Absolutely agree. 

  The wishes of the person / family are my concern.

I did hear back, and we should be setting up a time to go out in the next day or so.

It will probably mean sailing through some oil, which I have thusfar managed to avoid, but
it is for a good cause, and I am unlikely to escape it indefinitely anyway.

[Bubba the Pirate]

Regardless of bureaucratic intrusions, I think you are doing a great thing.  Thanks for being a credit to our avocation.  Fair Winds.

Todd

[s/v Monomoy]

I read that as well and had the thought of offering up our boat, but work, oil concerns, and their request to do it by the 25th is what led to my hesitation.

It is a worthy cause and I am sure the family will be most appreciative.

Perhaps after your trip you can report back on the oil seen with your own eyes.

[s/v Faith]

Well, I was all set to go.  I had input a waypoint 3 miles out, even typed up some nice certificates.

The lady called and said that her late brothers friends had been upset not to be involved so she is
headed down to St. Pete to meet them and scatter his ashes there.

I am relieved not to have to sail through the (worst of) the oil, but a little disappointed too.

  Things work out like they are supposed to.