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Ash Scattering & Burial At Sea

Burial At Sea for Cremated Remains in Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Scattering of Ashes
3+ Miles Offshore In the Atlantic

Two Service Options
Accompanied or Unaccompanied

GPS Coordinates and Photos
Provided Afterward

burial at sea and ash scattering service in Ocean Isle Beach

Scattering a loved one’s ashes at sea is a deeply personal moment, and I understand the trust families place in the captain they choose. I offer private accompanied (up to 4 guests) and unaccompanied ash scattering services from Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.

I’m Captain Harvey Wall, a North Carolina native, U.S. Army veteran, and USCG-licensed captain with over 25 years of experience along the North Carolina coast. I have also served on a military funeral detail, which gave me an appreciation for honoring someone’s life with dignity and respect.

For accompanied ash scattering services, I depart from Ocean Isle Beach, NC, conveniently located between Myrtle Beach, SC, and Wilmington, NC. For unaccompanied services, families anywhere in the country can ship their loved one's cremated remains in an approved biodegradable urn once the service has been booked and shipping arrangements confirmed with me.

Ash Scattering & Burial at Sea Services


I offer private, accompanied and unaccompanied ash scattering services departing from Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. All services take place at least 3 nautical miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, in accordance with federal requirements for burial at sea.


Services & Pricing

  • Accompanied: $350
    • Private Trip for up to 4 guests
    • 50% Deposit Required to Book
  • Unaccompanied: $250
    • I Conduct the Scattering for You
    • No Travel or Attendance Required
    • Pre-Payment Required

What's Included

  • Private Boat & Licensed Captain
  • Travel 3+ Nautical Miles Offshore
  • Placement of Cremated Remains at Sea
  • Exact GPS Coordinates
  • Photographs / Video
  • EPA Reporting Instructions

Preparation

  • Cremated Human Remains Only
  • Biodegradable Urn Required
  • Biodegradable Flowers OK
  • No Plastic, Glass or Metal Released
  • Advance Arrangements Required

About the scattering process: For safety and to prevent ashes from being blown by offshore winds, I require cremated remains to be placed in a biodegradable urn designed for burial at sea. The urn is gently placed on the water, where it breaks down and releases the ashes into the Atlantic Ocean. These urns are available from online retailers and funeral suppliers. Please contact me before purchasing one to ensure it's suitable for the service.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the difference between accompanied and unaccompanied ash scattering?

I offer two options for families wishing to scatter a loved one's ashes at sea. With an accompanied service, up to four family members or friends join me aboard the boat for a private trip offshore. You'll have time to say a few words, reflect, and personally participate in the ceremony.

With an unaccompanied service, you entrust your loved one's cremated remains to me, and I'll conduct the scattering at sea on your behalf. This is a good option for families who cannot travel to Ocean Isle Beach or prefer not to go offshore. I can also provide a video of the scattering, allowing you to share in the moment even if you cannot be there in person.


How much does an ash scattering or burial at sea service cost?

My accompanied ash scattering service costs $350 for a private trip of approximately one to two hours, with up to four family members or friends aboard. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your date.

Unaccompanied ash scattering costs $250. I'll personally conduct the scattering offshore on your family's behalf and provide GPS coordinates and photographs afterward. Full payment is required when booking an unaccompanied service.


How far offshore must ashes be scattered?

Federal regulations require cremated remains to be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore. All of my ash scattering services take place in the Atlantic Ocean, beyond the required three-nautical-mile distance.

I handle the navigation and positioning to ensure the scattering takes place at an appropriate offshore location.


How are the ashes released into the ocean?

For safety, dignity, and practical reasons, I don't pour loose ashes directly into the ocean. Offshore winds can make that difficult and unpredictable.

Instead, the cremated remains must be placed in a biodegradable container designed specifically for burial at sea. These containers are available from online retailers and funeral suppliers. Once we're at the scattering location, the container is gently placed on the water, where it begins to break down and releases the ashes into the sea.

Please contact me before purchasing a container so we can make sure it's appropriate for the service.


How long does an accompanied burial at sea trip take?

Accompanied ash scattering trips typically last approximately one to two hours, departing from Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. This allows time to travel offshore, conduct the scattering ceremony, and return to the dock.

The exact timing may vary depending on ocean conditions. I don't rush families through this experience, and I'll do my best to make the trip peaceful, private, and respectful.


Can we bring flowers or other memorial items?

Yes, you're welcome to bring natural, biodegradable flowers to release during the ceremony. Flowers can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one and mark the moment.

Artificial flowers, plastic decorations, ribbons, wire, and other nonbiodegradable materials cannot be released into the ocean. I ask that families discuss any special memorial arrangements with me beforehand so we can make sure everything is appropriate for an offshore ceremony.


Is EPA reporting required after scattering ashes at sea?

Yes. The Environmental Protection Agency requires notification within 30 days after cremated remains are scattered at sea.

I'll provide the information and instructions needed for your family to complete the required EPA notification, including the scattering location and date. The reporting process is straightforward, and I'll help you understand what's required.


Will we receive GPS coordinates and photographs of the scattering location?

Yes. I provide the GPS coordinates of the scattering location along with photographs documenting the service. This applies to both accompanied and unaccompanied ash scattering.

For families who cannot attend in person, these details provide a record of where their loved one's ashes were placed at sea.


What happens if the weather is too rough for the burial at sea?

Safety is always my first priority. Since these services take place at least three nautical miles offshore, wind, waves, and other ocean conditions play an important role in scheduling.

If conditions aren't suitable for a safe and respectful trip, I'll work with you to reschedule the service or provide a refund. I monitor the marine forecast closely, but final weather decisions may need to be made near the scheduled departure time.