Scattering ashes at sea – burial at sea – has long history and is a meaningful way to honor the lives of loved ones, a tradition embraced by many cultures worldwide as well many famous people are buried at sea Among those who have chosen this serene and symbolic farewell are several famous personalities whose final wishes were to have their remains scattered across the vast, tranquil waters.
Although it is more common now, it is not new. If you wish to learn more about the history of cremation please see our article History of Cremation. Here are a few famous people buried at sea.
In addition of ash scattering there is also the opportunity for a full body burial at sea.
Some Famous People Buried at Sea
The ocean has a way of captivating people’s hearts, and for some, it’s where they want to return to in the end – scattering their ashes at sea becomes a final act of reverence. They quietly salute the ocean’s limitless power and the carefree sense of independence that sweeps them up in its tide. At the heart of many ocean lovers’ affection lies a personal connection. The Atlantic Ocean may hold sentimental value for one person, while the seemingly boundless expanse of the Pacific holds another in its thrall, fueled by an unwavering love for the ocean’s majesty.
Whether tied to a legacy of maritime adventures or a simple appreciation for the ocean’s beauty, scattering ashes at sea offers a tranquil and meaningful farewell. There’s a connection that forms when you’re surrounded by the constant pulse of the waves and the sweeping curve of the horizon – it’s as if your own spirit begins to resonate in harmony.
Robin Williams – Passed on August 11th, 2015.
One of the most famous people having ashes scattered recently is Robin Williams, who died on August 11th 0n 2015. His friends and family held a private funeral in the San Francisco Bay to scatter his ashes. Williams, who became famous as an award-winning actor and comedian, had committed suicide at his home after a long battle with addiction and depression.
His fans were unable to view the ceremony. However, there was a public tribute during the Emmy award show on August 25th.
H.G. Wells- Passed in 1946.
H. G. Wells was a well-known author and historian who lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Now, he is best known for his works of science fiction: The Time Machine (1895), The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), and The War of the Worlds (1898). These works all were films – sometimes more than once.
On August 16th of 1946, Wells was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium in London. His family scattered his ashes near Old Harry Rocks off Southern England.
Alan Shepard – Passed in 1998
Alan Shepard, who was an American Naval Officer, a test pilot, and a flag officer is best known as one of NASA’s first astronauts. In 1961, he was the first American to travel in space. And 1971, he commanded the Apollo 14 mission that landed on the moon. He walked on the moon and hit two golf balls there. Later on, he was active in the Astronaut Office until he retired from the Navy and NASA in 1974.
Shepard died of leukemia in 1998. His wife died five weeks later, and their ashes of both were scattered by a Navy helicopter in front of their Pebble Beach home that is just off the Pacific Ocean.
Vincnet Price – Passed in 1993
Vincent Price was an American actor who was well known for acting in horror films, on stage, on the radio, and on television. He was also an art collector with a degree in art history.
Price died of lung cancer on October 25, 1993. He was cremated and his ashes scattered off Point Dume in Malibu, California.
John Fitzerald Kennedy Jr. – Passed in 1999
John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. was the only surviving son of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated just before his son’s third birthday. He was well-known as a figure in society who launched a popular magazine George in 1995.
Kennedy was piloting a small plane that crashed killing him, his wife, and her sister who were on their way to a family wedding on Martha’s Vineyard. The three were returned to the sea in a solemn ceremony aboard a Navy Destroyer. (TV Guide photo)
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