The Way Burials at Sea
Compassionate Burial at Sea Services Honoring Every Story
Based in California, serving families nationwide.
At The Way Burials at Sea, we understand that navigating loss can feel overwhelming — especially when families aren’t sure what to do next.
If you’ve been holding onto a loved one’s ashes and don’t know where to begin, we’re here to help. Whether you’re planning a witnessed ocean memorial or looking for a simple, respectful ash scattering service handled on your behalf, Captain James is here to guide the process with warmth, compassion, and care.
Based in California and serving families nationwide, we provide meaningful burial at sea services designed to bring peace, closure, and a beautiful final resting place at sea. Whether you’d like to attend the service or have us handle everything for you, our goal is to make the process feel simple, supportive, and deeply respectful every step of the way.
Respectful Options for Every Family
For families unable to attend, ashes can be securely mailed and respectfully scattered at sea on your behalf.
Unattended Ash Scattering
Join Captain James at sea for a peaceful and memorable ocean ceremony honoring your loved one.
Witnessed Memorial Service
Officiant for Burial
By request, Captain James can officiate the burial at sea service.
Meet the Heart Behind The Way
Captain James Sodergren is the heart behind The Way Burials at Sea and captain of the M/V Panda, a Southern California burial-at-sea vessel dedicated to helping families honor their loved ones with care, dignity, and compassion.
A Dana Point native, James has spent most of his life on the water and has been assisting families with meaningful ocean memorials since 2005. Known for his warmth, kindness, and calm presence, he approaches every service with deep respect for each family’s story.
With a background as a USCG-licensed captain, firefighter, EMT, lifeguard, and lifelong ocean advocate, Captain James is deeply committed to creating peaceful and meaningful final resting experiences at sea.
“For many families, this is more than a service — it’s a chance to finally find peace, closure, and a beautiful goodbye. Helping families find peace and closure at sea is truly an honor.”
— Captain James
A Simple & Guided Process
Reach out to Captain James to discuss the service that feels right for your family.
Step 1
We guide you through the arrangements, including secure mailing instructions if needed.
Step 2
Your loved one is honored with a respectful burial at sea ceremony handled with care and dignity.
Step 3
What Our Clients Say
“He created such a calming and comforting experience for our family, and we left feeling a real sense of peace and closure.”
“James’ thoughtful approach turned our father’s life story into a beautiful tribute, all within our tight timeframe.”
“The service provided a compassionate and respectful video platform that allowed us to share it with extended family members, and it was so moving and heartfelt.”
“The whole experience was absolutely perfect for our family in this time and gave us a profound sense of healing and gratitude.”
“The burial at sea service was beautiful and thoughtfully handled, and you can genuinely feel how much heart James puts into what he does.”
“Captain James is amazing! He handled everything for me, which was a huge blessing and help, for I was already dealing with so much emotion of the loss of my father. He is very professional and also very humble and understanding.”
Your Questions, Answered
How does burial at sea work?
We guide families through every step of the process, whether you choose to attend the service or have ashes respectfully scattered on your behalf.
What is an unattended vs witnessed ash scattering?
Witnessed services allow family and friends to attend the memorial at sea, while unattended services are handled privately by Captain James on your behalf.
Do you serve out-of-state families?
Yes, we proudly serve families nationwide. Ashes may be securely mailed to us for unattended burial at sea services.
When You’re Ready, We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re planning a memorial at sea or finally ready to find a peaceful resting place for a loved one’s ashes, Captain James is here to guide the process with care and compassion.
Fill out our contact form or call us to get in touch.
