It's not morbid Toots, it's just the (almost) natural way.
Whilst I had my boat I did quite a few "Scattering Ashes" at sea. Obviously Ex-sailors (Royal and Merchant) were keen to go that way. What did surprise me was that it is becoming more popular for others as well. The "greens" seem keen on it and more and more don't want cremating first. So far they have all wanted to be dead though.
The greens think of the CO2 produced by burning themselves and the gas - so they go for the "deep six". Within 12 miles of the shore I have to get permission from Magistrates (but the undertakers do all that) but further offshore, no permission needed.
The bodies in either case need to be "ready" for burial at sea, I am sure you don't want all the gory details (but as it is Halloween just ask and I'll let you know
). The body is shrouded and chain is used to ensure it stays where you put it - might spoil a kiddies pic-nic next summer if it wanders ashore. Then the Coffin, made of a natural material (wood is not top of the greens list - pressed recycled cardboard is their preference) is liberally holed to allow it to fill quickly with water and so sink efficiently.
Flowers from the mourners are either "au naturelle" or if made into wreaths, entirely made from biodegradable products.
Nice little earner for a Charter Skipper, but I take a real pride in doing it to the very best of my ability. In the absence of a Padre the Skipper reads the committal (if it is required) and I have done RC, Anglican, Methodist and Jewish as well as a few atheist.
With ashes it is very similar (but a lot lighter) and I have done about 25 committals in all.
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