Portsmouth community chest

Ashes Committal at Sea and Ashes Scattering at Sea

Date posted: Wednesday 7th October

Location: Portsmouth

We are the Maritime Volunteer Service (Portsmouth Unit), a unique uniformed charity in the non-profit sector able to perform the committal of ashes to the sea and scattering ashes at sea in the Solent region.

Often committing the ashes of loved one to the sea is a fitting tribute to those who have sadly passed away and who during their life enjoyed or committed part of their life to the sea.

For example a loved one may have been a former member of:

* The Royal Navy, Royal Navy Reserve or Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve
* The Royal Marines (regular or reserves)
* The Royal Naval or Maritime Auxiliary Service
* The Army or Air Force - Maritime Sections
* The Merchant Navy or Royal Fleet Auxiliary
* The Sea Cadets, Nautical Training Corps, Sea Scouts/Rangers or CCF
* The Coastguard or Royal National Lifeboat Institute
* The various Life Guards along the coast
* One of the many other maritime and nautical organisations

Or maybe the departed was a keen yachts-person, leisure sailor or simply lived by or enjoyed the sea.

Committal of Ashes take place on board our ship (MVS Appleby) with all crew in best uniform for the conditions and are conducted entirely at the family/loved one's pace. Typical nautical touches we add are the lowering to half-mast of our distinctive red ensign and the crew removing caps/berets for actual committal, in addition to the presentation of a commemorative card giving the precise degrees latitude and longitude of the committal signed by the commanding officer of the day.

We are a registered charity and do look for a suggested donation in the region of £250.00 to cover our costs and make a small profit for providing this service. All profits go to the Maritime Volunteer Service.

For further details please see our website - www.mvs-portsmouth.co.uk

A registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1048454) and in Scotland (SC 039269).