Therefore we commit his body to the deep!

I attended a funeral yesterday in a gospel-type church. Very different from the tradition I know from the Orthodox church, though it was very respectful and dignified. Funeral traditions, of course, have evolved through the ages and with custom depending on different heritage. In Roman and Celtic Britian, as an example, the remains were buried with their personal possessions of importance, i.e. weaponry, armor, clothing, food, even with faithful animals. Of course, this goes way, way back to Egyptian burials in the pyramids where the pharaohs even stored their boats, chariots, etc to help them on their journey to their new life. Vikings put their warrior dead on long boats that were set aflame, and put out to sea.
At sea, there are particular customs as well. Ancient tradition of burial at sea goes back as long as people have traveled over the waves. In early times, the body was sewn into a weighted shroud from sailcloth, usually with cannonballs at the feet, and sent over the side of the ship with the appropriate religious and/or military ceremony.

On British naval ships, the service was performed by a chaplain, or the commanding officer, with all ship mates and other officers present. The casket or shrouded remains were draped with the national ensign, scripture and prayers were read, including the passage from the Book of Common Prayer, "We therefore commit his body to the deep, to be turned into corruption, looking for the resurrection of the body, when the Sea shall give up her dead." A chief petty officer conducted the firing of 3 volleys, with the command: "Ready, Aim, Fire!" Then the remains were carried overboard, feet first, from under the flag. Salutes were made, and all hands dismissed.
Interestingly enough, sailors are a superstitious lot, and to satisfy tradition, the last stitch of the shroud was run through the nose of the individual, to ensure they were indeed dead! Ouch!