Special Events
Burial at Sea Ceremony Service
What To Expect
Your service will be tailored to the wishes of the family and reflect what the deceased would have wished. Each Service Reflects an Individual’s Unique Life.
Service includes up to 6 people onboard, please call in advance if more then 6 is required. I can be reached at 305-360-1731.
Captain Michael Rolph.
Charter Duration & Location
Generally, charters are 1.5- 2 hours in length. MyKeys Tours will board at 8 am promptly from Islamarina, located in Islamorada at MM 85920 Overseas Highway. Please be ready to depart the dock shortly after boarding the 26’ Sea Fox Commander. Some families may wish to extend the charter duration for an additional hour or more to include a sightseeing trip since the whole family is together. Please contact the Captain as soon as possible to plan your ceremony so we can include the extended time if needed.
The spreading of the ashes/cremains will only take place 3 nautical miles offshore as per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (40 CFR 229.1)
Additional Information
Generally, the burial at sea service tends to be short – around 10 minutes or so. This is not to say that services cannot be longer. We will coordinate with you before we depart the marina to determine the length of your burial at sea service and time the event to fit comfortably with the charter time frame.
The services tend to be very informal, although some charters have made arrangements for clergy to attend. Generally, a poem is read and a few stories are told by the family members. It is a time for the celebration of the loved one’s life and usually very uplifting with laughter as funny stories are told. If songs are required or desired please contact the Captain prior to departing the dock so he can queue the music via Bluetooth for the ceremony.
The cremains is released in the ocean 3 nautical miles offshore and they have the tendency to dissipate quickly. There are many ways that the cremains may be released but generally, it is by the use of a basket with rose petals or by means of using a biodegradable urn.
As nautical tradition dictates, after the cremains are released into the ocean, the bell rings 8 times, denoting the end of watch. After this, the ashes are slowly circled by the Boat or Commander, and we head back to shore or continue on the rest of the trip.
The mood on the boat can be a little somber. To help elevate the spirits of those on the boat, we try to breathe life back into you and your family. We can do a little sightseeing in the beautiful Florida Bay or just take a nice scenic ride along with the amazing homes of Venetian Shores. If time permits we could also stop at a local Keys restaurant for a bite to eat!
Pricing and Reservations
-
Attended $650
$200 Deposit required
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Unattended $450
$400 Deposit required
2 Hours on the 26’ SeaFox Commander
IslaMarina 85920 Overseas Hwy Islamorada, FL 33036
Schedule
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Duration
- 2 Hours
