Burial At Sea, East Sussex
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Burial At Sea
We are experienced in all aspects of arranging burials at sea. If this is something you wish for a loved one or that had been requested by them you can be assured that we understand the complicated government and legal requirements and are able to provide a complete service in committing someone to the deep.
Where can you have a burial at sea?
There are currently only three positions around the coast of England where it is legal to bury a body at sea: off Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear; off The Needles on the Isle of Wight and off Newhaven, East Sussex. As we are based in East Sussex we carry out burials at sea in the specified location about eight miles off Newhaven.
We would arrange for the collection of the deceased and to bring them into our care. Family and friends may visit their loved ones in the chapel of rest at whichever of our premises – in St Leonards-on-Sea, Bexhill-on-Sea or Battle - is most convenient for you.
Is a special coffin required for a burial at sea?
We would arrange for the coffin to be prepared to the required specification for burial at sea. The coffin you use must be made of solid softwood and must not contain any plastic, lead, copper or zinc.
Are there special arrangements needed for a burial at sea?
We would meet with you to discuss all aspects of the arrangements and advise on the cost of burial at sea.
What happens on the day of a burial at sea?
We would convey the coffin to Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne for lifting aboard our chosen vessel, which will have comfortable inside accommodation, outside seating and facilities. The voyage from Sovereign Harbour to the burial site and back to Sovereign Harbour is about 5 – 6 hours in total and during this time the family and mourners will be looked after and served food and refreshments. Up to nine guests can travel to the burial spot; this would include a minister if required, although the boat's skipper is well versed in leading a short service and conducting the committal if no minister is present. If there are more than nine guests wishing to attend the burial at sea then further boats can be arranged at an additional charge.
Please bear in mind that occasionally a pre-arranged date for the burial might be subject to postponement if the weather was such as to make a boat trip unsafe.
If you would like to discuss your requirements or find out more information please get in touch by calling 01424 436 386 or emailing us at info@towners.co.uk or fill in our contact form in the footer below. One of our friendly and experienced team will be on hand to help.
