Sea Burial – The Last Journey on the Water
The vastness of the sea as a place of farewell.
Some people carry the sea within them – a lifetime long. The allure of the water, the sound of the waves, the feeling of freedom and infinity. Those who have lived this way may wish to say goodbye in the same manner: on the sea, under the open sky, carried by the waves.
Sea burial is one of the most touching and nature-bound forms of burial. It connects the final farewell with the power and tranquility of the water, creating a place of remembrance that knows no bounds.
We accompany you in planning a sea burial in Berlin and Brandenburg, in the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean, or any other place in the world that was significant to the deceased.
Would you like to organize a sea burial?
Call us – we are here for you. Or write to us using our contact form.
How does a sea burial proceed?
Where is a sea burial possible?
North Sea, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean and beyond
A sea burial in the North Sea or Baltic Sea is the most obvious thought for many. However, the final journey does not necessarily have to be close; it should be fitting.
For those who dreamed of Ibiza their whole lives, whose heart loved the Mediterranean or the Atlantic: these places are possible. We organize sea burials across Europe and worldwide, departing from many ports towards the horizon.
Until the journey, the urn is lovingly stored with us. This allows enough time for all preparations, without pressure or haste.
For sea burials, we work closely with Reederei Albrecht, a partner who has been accompanying sea burials for many years.
The Accompanied Sea Burial
For an accompanied sea burial, the relatives travel out to sea together with the captain and crew. The ship sails exclusively for your mourning community and provides a quiet, protected setting for a very personal farewell.
The crew wears naval uniforms and accompanies the ceremony with silence and respect. As soon as the ship reaches the burial position, it stops. The flag is lowered to half-mast. The ship’s bell rings.
The captain carries the urn to the stern of the ship. The relatives gather on the aft deck. Music, the blowing of the boatswain’s whistle, and shared silence accompany the moment. Then the captain commits the urn to the sea.
Those who wish can place flowers or petals in the water. The ship makes a circle of honor, and three signal tones sound: “Fair winds.”
The Silent Sea Burial
Not every farewell needs many words or many people. In a silent sea burial, the urn is committed to the sea without mourners – accompanied by the crew, the vastness of the water, and the stillness of the moment.
This form of burial – also known as an anonymous sea burial – is a quiet, fitting path. No fanfare, no protocol. Just the sea and the moment of letting go.
Costs
What does a sea burial cost?
What does a sea burial cost?
The costs of a sea burial depend on various factors:
- accompanied or silent
- North Sea, Baltic Sea, or Mediterranean
- Port and shipping company
During our consultation, we will provide you with a transparent, individual offer without hidden costs or surprises.
Where can one perform a sea burial?
Areas for sea burials are legally designated. This means that burials are not permitted everywhere at sea – but there are many beautiful, suitable places that are approved. In the initial consultation, we will show you what options are available and which location suits your farewell.
Organizing a Sea Burial from Berlin
Do you live in Berlin or Brandenburg and wish to organize a sea burial? We are your contact person from beginning to end. From the first idea to the moment the urn touches the water, we accompany you.
A path that can be as unique as the person who walked it.
Finding the Right Urn
The Urn for Sea Burial
For a sea burial, special urns made of lime, paper, or papier-mâché are used. They are designed to slowly dissolve on the seabed. The ashes do not mix with the water beforehand and are sterile.
These urns are not only functional, but many of them are simple and beautiful, appropriate for the sea and the moment.
We accompany you – personally, calmly, and without pressure.
Contact us anytime for an initial consultation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Sea Burial
Is a sea burial legal?
Yes. In Germany, sea burial is legally permitted in designated maritime areas. The interment must be carried out by an approved shipping company and take place in the designated zones. We coordinate everything together with our partner, Reederei Albrecht, and ensure that all legal requirements are met. We are happy to advise you: Tel. 01520 958 70 51.
Do I have to go along myself?
No. You can decide whether you wish to be present at the ceremony or if the interment takes place silently and without relatives. Both options are equally valid. Many families combine a memorial service in Berlin with a subsequent silent sea burial.
Can I visit the location later?
The sea knows no fixed grave site. There is no stone and no coordinate that you must visit. Many families find precisely this liberating: the deceased person is not bound to one place, but is everywhere. If you still wish for a specific location, you can plan a memorial service in Berlin or Brandenburg and have the farewell at sea take place separately. Contact us directly for a memorial service: Tel. 01520 958 70 51.
How far in advance do I need to plan a sea burial?
There is no fixed lead time. We also accompany you in urgent situations and respond quickly. Simply contact us, and we will discuss together what is possible and what suits you. Sea burials are seasonal, so waiting times for specific dates may vary.
Is a sea burial also possible for pre-arrangement?
Yes. If you wish to pre-plan your own farewell, you can do so with us. We will assist you with funeral pre-arrangement and ensure that your wishes are carried out exactly as you envision them: Tel. 01520 958 70 51.
Which urn is used for a sea burial?
Special requirements apply to interment at sea: the urn must be able to dissolve in the ocean. We will advise you on this during our consultation and show you which models are available. Some families choose something very simple, others something that reminds them of the person. Both are possible. We work with various urn manufacturers and can advise you on selecting the appropriate urn.