Lake burial in Harlesiel: Last trip in the waves of life

Lake burial in Harlesiel: Last trip in the waves of life

Harlesiel, Deutschland - in Harlesiel, where the sea meets the longings of the living, the MS “Nordwind” experienced moving sea burial. More and more people are choosing traditional burial and are looking for a final resting place on the waves. The shipping company Albrecht, known for its sea burials, reports on a real boom. The ships set sail every day to enable the deceased a worthy last trip.

Am Kai in Westhafen, captain Manuel Gorfer is waiting for the mourning community. On board is the urn of the deceased, Karl from Hohenrode, who wanted to take his last trip to the place, which was home to him for 35 years. Karl, an experienced sailor who was on the world's oceans for the Oetker fleet, was said goodbye to the heart of his loved ones. The mourners, twelve in number, took space in the salon of the "Nordwind", while the waves gently rippled against the ship.

a farewell full of emotions

The moment of burial moved closer. Captain Gorfer prepared the ceremony; The mourners threw roses into the sea, while the urn between the islands of Spiekeroog and Wangerooge was let into water. "The sea is a place of longing," explains Gorfer, and many mourners also choose a sea burial after such experiences. In a world in which the cemetery is often perceived as oppressive, the open sea offers a lively, breathtaking alternative.

When the urn slides into the water with the wreath, Gorfer heralds the ship's bell. The mourners watch the wreath dances on the waves and finally disappears on the horizon. "Karl's best friend in Norway, Ingolf, who now only needs to go to the beach. Then Karl will come over at some point," says the widow with a bittersweet smile. A last greeting on the high seas, which touches the hearts of those present and symbolizes the imperishable connection between life and the sea.