What to do if someone dies in Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean. Australian federal law applies throughout, and UK families should approach this situation as they would a death in Australia — with the added complication of remote geography and limited flight frequency.

Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. Lines are open 24 hours. UK consular assistance will be provided through the British High Commission in Canberra.

Immediate Steps

1. Contact the FCDO: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). They will contact the British High Commission in Canberra and can advise on immediate consular support.
2. Contact the Administrator’s Office: The Australian Government’s representative on the island. They will initiate death registration and coordinate with the Australian Federal Police.
3. Contact a specialist repatriation firm: Australian legal procedures differ from UK procedures. Professional coordination is advisable, particularly if the death is non-natural and falls under the Western Australia Coroner.
4. Check flight schedules: Flights from CCK to Perth operate approximately twice weekly. Time-sensitive action may be needed to align with the next available departure.

Death Registration

Death registration follows Australian federal and Western Australian procedures. The Administrator’s Office initiates the process. For non-natural deaths, the Western Australia Coroner must authorise release of the body before repatriation can proceed — this is the most common cause of delay.

The Repatriation Route

1. Transfer from Home Island to West Island (if death occurs on Home Island — the airstrip is on West Island)
2. Flight CCK–Perth (PER) approximately 3 hours via Virgin Australia (approximately twice weekly)
3. Perth–London Heathrow (LHR) approximately 17 hours via Qantas or partner airlines

A specialist firm should book the cargo hold on the CCK–Perth sector as early as possible, given the limited frequency.

Home Island and the Cocos Malay Community

Home Island is the home of the Cocos Malay community, a predominantly Muslim group descended from workers brought to the islands in the 19th century. Islamic burial practice traditionally requires interment within 24 hours. If the deceased was a member of this community, the family may need to decide quickly between local burial and repatriation. A specialist firm with cross-cultural experience can advise on both the practicalities and the sensitivity of this situation.

Documents You Will Need

Burial and Cremation

There is no cremation facility on the islands. Remains must be transferred to Perth for cremation. Burial on the islands is possible and is practised by the Cocos Malay community on Home Island. West Island also has a cemetery used by the broader island community.

Useful Contacts and Sources

• FCDO Consular Assistance: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
• FCDO Travel Advice (Cocos Keeling): gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cocos-keeling-islands
• British High Commission Canberra: via FCDO
• Australian Department of Infrastructure (Territories): infrastructure.gov.au

For further guidance on the full international repatriation process, see our guide to what happens when someone dies abroad, or contact our team to speak with a specialist.