AW Lymn notes rise in demand for burials at sea

Independent family-run funeral provider, AW Lymn, has recorded an increase in individuals opting for prepaid burials at sea, a send-off that was traditionally popular with members of the Royal Navy. According to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), there were approximately 20 burials at sea off The Needles on the western side of the Isle of Wight in 2023 compared with 13 across all sites in the UK in 2020. Burials at sea come with strict regulations and constraints, and as a result, need specialist planning and permission – all of which qualified funeral directors can arrange in conjunction with the MMO. Among the many requirements for a burial at sea are a Free From Infection Certificate from Public Health England and acknowledgement of Notice to a Coroner of Intention to Remove a Body out of England. Jackie Lymn Rose, director and fourth-generation funeral director at AW Lymn, said: “Burial at sea is a long-standing British tradition that is truly unique. It really does offer a very special final resting place and a hugely moving experience for the family. “We strive to give the communities we serve every option possible when planning a funeral. We have arranged numerous pre-paid funeral plans to include burial at sea. The service is increasing in popularity as people look towards alternatives to traditional burials.” There are three designated sea burial areas in England – The Needles on the western side of the Isle of Wight; Tynemouth in North Tyneside; and between Hastings and Newhaven on the East Sussex coast. However, on application and at a cost, other sites can be considered. Each site also requires specific preparation of the body and the coffin to prevent resurfacing. For example, the coffin is constructed to a specific design and weighted by biodegradable matter to an unladen weight of 200kg. It will also usually be draped with a flag or emblem. It must also be ensured that the body is identifiable by a specific number allocated by the funeral home and if the body will be buried in The Needles area, a DNA sample is required. The construction of the coffin, as well as thorough procedures to prepare the deceased, ensure the environmental impact of burials at sea is minimal. In addition, funeral directors work closely with a professional boat charter business that specialises in burials at sea and they are the ones who take care of the operational part of the burial. The proposed date for a burial at sea will be submitted to the MMO in conjunction with the charter company.