Winter Weather Halts Sea Burials in the Baltic Sea - Baltic sea burials paused as thick ice halts ceremonies near Rügen
Sea burials off the Baltic island of Rügen have been halted due to severe winter weather. The services, which usually depart from Stralsund aboard vessels like the Altefähr, cannot proceed under current icy conditions. Authorities have confirmed the suspension will last until at least February 8.
Normally, sea burials take place west of Rügen, with ships such as the Altefähr carrying out the ceremonies. But thick ice along Germany’s Baltic coast has made these trips impossible for now. The Weiße Flotte fleet in Stralsund has announced no services will run before February 8.
Even after that date, further delays or cancellations may still happen. Weather forecasts suggest the ice will not clear soon, leaving families waiting for burials uncertain about future arrangements.
The pause affects all planned sea burials in the region until conditions improve. Families relying on these services must wait until at least early February for updates. Further disruptions could extend beyond that date if the ice persists.
