A death on the ocean

There are no roses on a sailor’s grave,

No lilies on an ocean wave.

The only tribute is the seagulls’ sweeps,

And the teardrops that a sweetheart weeps.

—German song

Another sailor has perished in the Clipper Around the World Ocean Race. Simon Speirs, a crew member on the yacht "Great Britain", was helping to change a sail at the bow of the 70-foot boat when he was knocked over the side in the Indian Ocean. He was clipped in and wearing a life jacket with AIS but somehow got separated from the yacht. He was recovered 36 minutes later but could not be revived. It will be important to learn why his tether did not keep him secured to the boat. Simon was buried at sea. RIP.

No Roses: British version

No crosses mark the ocean waves;

No monuments of stone.

No roses grow on sailor's graves,

The Sailor rests alone

His tributes are the sea gulls' sweeps,

Forever wild and free . . .

And teardrops that his sweetheart weeps

To mingle with the sea

Anon.