Burials at sea: Rare access off the Isle of Wight

Burials at sea are a long-established tradition in the UK, particularly for those who have been associated with the sea.

But figures from the Marine Management Organisation show that only a few people choose to be buried in this way.

In 2012 there were just four burials at sea, although the number was higher in 2013.

BBC Newsnight's James Clayton was given rare access to one by John Lister, whose company specialises in burials at sea, near the Needles, the extreme westerly point of the Isle of Wight.

You can see more of this film, and learn about the mystery of the bodies washed up on the coast, on BBC iPlayer. It was broadcast on Newsnight on Wednesday 2 July.