The ashes of 116 unclaimed dead were scattered at sea, North Carolina video shows

One of North Carolina’s most solemn traditions played out in the Atlantic this week, when the Division of Marine Fisheries held a burial at sea for dozens of unclaimed dead.

“Every year, Marine Patrol partners with the Medical Examiner’s Office to ensure unclaimed people are laid to rest with dignity,” the division wrote in a June 4 Facebook post.

“This year, the ashes of 116 were respectfully spread at sea — providing a peaceful final resting place.”

It’s estimated 120 bodies go unclaimed each year in North Carolina, state officials say.

State law requires the bodies be held for 10 days by the chief medical examiner, while an effort is made to contact relatives. If relatives aren’t found, the body is cremated and the ashes are stored for three years.

“At the end of the three years any unclaimed ashes shall be disposed of in an appropriate manner,” state law says.

Video shared by the Division of Marine Fisheries shows the 116 bags of ashes were loaded onto a boat, transported into open water and scattered individually by staff members.

The video had been viewed 77,000 times as of June 5, and racked up 1,300 reactions and comments, with some calling the event a “wonderful tribute” and “beautiful last ride.”

Burial at sea is a tradition practiced for centuries, and carries “powerful symbolic meaning” of unity with nature, journey to freedom, and peace and renewal, according to Seaservices.com.

This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 8:33 AM.