When Jim saw the article we published last week in SWS entitled “A Final Stitch Through the Nose” he wrote to us asking to remind the readers, that here in Melbourne we have a beautiful historic vessel that is ready and waiting, in survey, and most importantly very experienced in handling the most important and emotional moments of your family’s journey.

The body needs to be properly prepared for burial at sea. It is appropriate for the body to be sewn into a shroud made of a very strong, biodegradable material that does not contain plastic fibres or has been chemically treated (e.g., Calico). The shroud should be  adequately weighted (all plastics must be removed) to ensure rapid descent and permanent submersion of the body and include slits or openings to minimise flotation.

The story of the mass suicide has been regarded as potentially factual since the late 1700s, when three tunnels were bored into the burial mound, revealing nails, animal bones, a bronze cauldron and a seated skeleton with a sword.