A wave crashes off Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz as friends and family aboard the Sea Spirit say goodbye to a loved one. Joe and Raina Stoops’ combination of maritime devotion and spirituality were their guiding lights as they launched Sea Spirit more than 3 decades ago providing opportunities for whale watching, fishing and other excursions in the Monterey Bay. Following a COVID pivot for their business, the boat is now dedicated exclusively to full-body burials at sea and ash-scattering at sea. Burial at sea is an ancient and time-honored tradition dating back to the time when people first ventured into the open ocean. According to Raina Stoops, “Cremation and sea scattering are a matter of personal choice often based on emotion, family tradition, economics or a deep religious or spiritual conviction. The mission of Sea Spirit Memorial is to provide a convenient, lawful and dignified sea burial within the majestic Monterey Bay, fulfilling the wishes of both the deceased and their family.” (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)
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