About Ash To Sea
Ash To Ocean was created to provide families with a respectful, dignified option for burial at sea along the North Carolina coast. Every service is conducted with care, professionalism, and deep respect for the individuals and families we serve.
Based in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, we help families plan meaningful at-sea memorial services with care and professionalism.
Operated by Captain Dave Tilley
Ash To Ocean is operated by Captain Dave Tilley, a longtime Carolina Beach mariner with decades of offshore experience. Captain Dave has spent much of his life on the Atlantic Ocean, navigating coastal and offshore waters with a strong commitment to safety, responsibility, and professionalism.
His extensive background on the water provides the foundation for the calm, reliable, and respectful services Ash To Ocean offers families during meaningful moments of remembrance.
Minister On Staff
AshToSea services are supported by Linda Tilley, a legally ordained minister. If your family would like, she can provide an optional prayer, blessing, or short reading during an attended or unattended burial-at-sea ceremony.
This is always optional and handled with respect for every family’s beliefs, traditions, and preferences.
The Wild Rover III
Services are conducted aboard the Wild Rover III, a professionally operated offshore vessel based in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. The Wild Rover III has been used for decades in offshore operations and is maintained to ensure safe, comfortable, and reliable passage at sea.
The vessel provides a stable and respectful setting for attended burial at sea ceremonies and is equally suited for unattended services performed on behalf of families.
Experience on the Water Matters
Conducting burial at sea services requires more than a vessel—it requires experience, judgment, and a deep understanding of ocean conditions, navigation, and regulatory compliance.
With decades of offshore experience, Captain Dave understands the importance of handling each service thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring families can focus on remembrance while every detail is handled properly.
Why Ash To Ocean Exists
Ash To Ocean was created to offer families a meaningful alternative to traditional memorial services—one that reflects the peace, openness, and continuity of the ocean.
Each service is approached with compassion, respect, and attention to detail. Whether families choose to attend the ceremony or prefer an unattended service, every arrangement is handled with dignity and care.
Commitment to Respect and Compliance
Burial at sea services are conducted in accordance with applicable federal regulations designed to protect the marine environment. Compliance, documentation, and proper procedures are an essential part of every service.
Ash To Ocean is committed to ensuring that each burial at sea is performed responsibly, respectfully, and in full compliance with all requirements.
Serving Families with Care
Every family’s wishes are unique. Ash To Ocean is here to provide clear guidance, compassionate support, and professional service during an important and personal moment.
We provide burial at sea services in North Carolina, including Carolina Beach burial at sea departures aboard the Wild Rover III burial at sea vessel.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about burial at sea options, we invite you to reach out and speak with us directly.