The concept of a final resting place holds significant emotional and cultural weight. It is a symbol of closure, a final farewell to a loved one. But what happens when ashes are left unclaimed at funeral homes and crematoriums?
The issue of unclaimed ashes is more widespread than many might think. Across the country, funeral homes and crematoriums are left with the remains of individuals who have no one to claim them. Some of these ashes date back a century, stored in tins rather than modern plastic containers.
While some funeral homes opt to bury unclaimed ashes together, others, like the Sustainable Funerals Group, seek a more meaningful solution. They honour the unclaimed ashes by sending them out to sea with a solemn ceremony.
Just recently, in the vast and beautiful waters of Port Phillip Bay, with Melbourne’s skyline a distant silhouette, a solemn ceremony led by Kieran Worthington, a member of the not-for-profit funeral group, took place aboard the 27-metre sailboat Enterprize.
To begin, Worthington took off his jacket and proceeded to tip the unclaimed ashes into the sea. Each box of ashes is accompanied by a reading of the deceased’s name and date of death, a gesture of respect and recognition for those who have passed.
‘It is gritty and it is real,’ Worthington remarked, acknowledging the raw emotion of the moment. ‘But this is our way of honouring their passing.’
Among those on board were a father and his partner, who were there to say goodbye to their stillborn baby.
The Michieli family were also present to spread the ashes of their 90-year-old neighbour, Audrey, who felt a deep connection to the sea and the journey of coming to Australia by ship.
Ten doves were also released during the ceremony, symbolising the souls taking flight. Flowers were also scattered on the water’s surface, accompanied by the ethereal strains of Enya’s Orinoco Flow, adding to the ceremony’s poignancy.
The group reportedly spread more than 70 unclaimed ashes in Hobsons Bay, Melbourne during the ceremony.
According to Worthington, their group tried their best to get in touch with each of the 75 families of those who passed.
‘We find that when people lose someone, sometimes they are so overwhelmed they cannot bring themselves to come back and pick the ashes up. We contacted them wherever we [could]. Some of these, contact was lost years ago,’ he explained.
Worthington’s group organises the boat ceremony every few years to honour the unclaimed remains.
Meanwhile, Craig Stevens of Timeless Funerals in Sydney, who has ashes dating back to 2008, refuses to scatter them without consent, stating, ‘I have not scattered any ashes because I do not know [if] it is my right to do that.’
‘I will maintain them until they are either claimed or the day I drop.’
The rising cost of funerals is reportedly a contributing factor to the issue of unclaimed ashes. With funeral costs increasing by 20% between 2019 and 2024, many families reportedly find themselves unable to afford the expenses associated with a proper burial or cremation.
We invite our YourLifeChoices readers to share their thoughts on this sensitive topic. How do you feel about the practices described in this article? Your insights and experiences are valuable to us, and we encourage you to join the conversation in the comments below.
Also read: Water cremation brings eco-friendly alternative to funeral industry
