Famous People Buried at Sea and Ash Scattering at Sea
Last Updated: March 2026
Burial at sea and ash scattering at sea have been practiced for centuries. For people who feel a deep connection to the ocean, the sea represents freedom, peace, and a return to nature. Throughout history, sailors, explorers, military leaders, and even well-known public figures have chosen the ocean as their final resting place.
Today, families continue this tradition by choosing ash scattering ceremonies or full body burial at sea. The ocean provides a quiet, natural setting where loved ones can gather, reflect, and honor a life well lived.
While many ceremonies are private, several notable figures have also chosen burial at sea. Their stories reflect the enduring symbolism of the ocean and its place in human history.
Below are a few well-known individuals whose ashes were scattered or whose remains were committed to the sea.
Notable People Buried at Sea
Throughout history, a number of well-known figures have chosen burial at sea or ash scattering in the ocean as their final farewell. For some, the ocean represented freedom, adventure, or a lifelong connection to maritime life. For others, it offered a peaceful and symbolic return to nature.
Although many sea burials remain private family ceremonies, several famous individuals have had their ashes scattered at sea or were committed to the ocean after cremation. Their stories highlight how deeply meaningful this tradition can be.
Below are a few notable people whose remains were returned to the sea.
Robin Williams – Passed on August 11th, 2015
Robin Williams, the beloved actor and comedian, passed away on August 11, 2014. Known for his extraordinary talent, humor, and emotional depth, Williams left a lasting impact on film, television, and audiences around the world.
After his passing, Williams was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in San Francisco Bay, a place closely connected to his life in Northern California. The ceremony was held privately by family and close friends.
Like many families who choose ash scattering at sea, the decision reflected a desire for a peaceful and natural farewell. The ocean often holds deep personal meaning, offering a quiet setting for reflection and remembrance.
Neil Armstrong
Neil Armstrong, the American astronaut who became the first person to walk on the Moon, passed away on August 25, 2012, at the age of 82. Armstrong commanded the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, taking humanity’s first steps onto the lunar surface and becoming one of the most iconic figures in space exploration.
Armstrong also served as a naval aviator and test pilot before joining NASA.
Because Armstrong served as a naval aviator, his burial followed traditions similar to those used for veteran burial at sea ceremonies.
Following his death, Armstrong was honored with a burial at sea conducted by the United States Navy aboard the USS Philippine Sea in the Atlantic Ocean. His cremated remains were respectfully committed to the ocean during a private ceremony attended by family members and naval personnel.
The ceremony reflected Armstrong’s service as a naval aviator and test pilot before joining NASA. Like many who feel a strong connection to exploration and the sea, burial at sea provided a quiet and dignified farewell.
H. G. Wells
H. G. Wells, the influential English author and historian, passed away on August 13, 1946. He is best known for pioneering works of science fiction, including The Time Machine, The Invisible Man, The War of the Worlds, and The Island of Doctor Moreau. His writing helped shape modern science fiction and remains widely read today.
After his death, Wells was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium in London. His ashes were later scattered in the waters near Old Harry Rocks, a well-known coastal landmark off southern England.
Like many who feel a strong connection to the sea, Wells’ final resting place reflected the timeless symbolism of the ocean — vast, enduring, and deeply connected to human imagination and exploration.
Alan Shepard
Alan Shepard was an American naval officer, test pilot, and astronaut. In 1961, he became the first American to travel into space as part of NASA’s Mercury program. A decade later, he commanded the Apollo 14 mission, becoming one of the few people to walk on the Moon.
Shepard passed away in 1998 after battling leukemia. Just five weeks later, his wife Louise also passed away. In accordance with their wishes, the couple’s cremated remains were scattered at sea near their home in Pebble Beach, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The ceremony was conducted privately, honoring Shepard’s lifelong connection to the sea through his service as a naval officer. For many families, scattering ashes at sea carries similar symbolism — representing freedom, reflection, and a peaceful return to nature.
Vincent Price
Vincent Price was a celebrated American actor known for his distinctive voice and memorable roles in classic horror films. Over a career spanning several decades, he appeared in numerous movies, stage productions, and television programs, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the genre. In addition to acting, Price was also a respected art collector and writer with a strong interest in the fine arts.
Price passed away on October 25, 1993, after battling lung cancer. Following his cremation, his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Point Dume in Malibu, California.
For many people who feel a deep connection to the ocean, scattering ashes at sea offers a peaceful and symbolic farewell — returning to the natural world in a setting that reflects calm, beauty, and reflection.
John F. Kennedy Jr.
John F. Kennedy Jr., the son of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, passed away on July 16, 1999, when the small aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Martha’s Vineyard. Also on board were his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and her sister, Lauren Bessette.
After the wreckage was located and recovered, the three were honored in a solemn ceremony at sea conducted by the United States Navy. Their remains were cremated, and the ashes were committed to the Atlantic Ocean during a dignified burial at sea aboard a naval vessel.
The ceremony reflected the Kennedy family’s long-standing connection to the ocean and naval service. Burial at sea has historically been used by naval traditions around the world and continues to be chosen by families seeking a respectful and meaningful farewell on the water.
Why Many Families Choose Burial at Sea
For generations, burial at sea has carried deep symbolic meaning. The ocean represents vastness, continuity, and a natural return to the elements. For families who feel a connection to the water, committing ashes to the sea can provide a peaceful and meaningful way to say goodbye.
Today, many families choose ash scattering at sea in San Diego because it allows loved ones to gather in a quiet, natural setting away from traditional funeral environments. The sound of the waves, the open horizon, and the shared moment of remembrance often create a powerful and personal farewell. In addition to ash scattering ceremonies, some families also choose a full body burial at sea, a traditional maritime practice that commits the body directly to the ocean.
Modern burial at sea ceremonies can be simple or personalized. Families may share readings, prayers, music, or place flowers into the water as part of the tribute. Others prefer a quiet moment of reflection as the ashes are gently released into the ocean.
While each ceremony is unique, the intention is always the same — to honor a life with dignity, respect, and a setting that feels meaningful to those who gather in remembrance. Families who are considering an ocean memorial often have practical questions about regulations, ceremonies, and preparation. Many of these answers are explained on our burial at sea questions page.
