New Zealand yachtsman Sir Peter Blake, killed on Wednesday by hooded pirates at the mouth of the Amazon River, is to be buried in England, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said today.
Ms Clark said she had spoken to Blake's wife Lady Pippa.
"It is her wish that Sir Peter be buried in Emsworth, the village in South England where they have made their home together, and then she and her family intend to proceed to New Zealand for a memorial service in Auckland before Christmas," Ms Clark said in a statement.
Mr Blake died after he was shot by pirates boarded his Seamaster yacht moored near the Brazilian town of Macapa.
"Dates cannot yet be precise because of her desire to see the crew of the Seamaster fly to the United Kingdom for the funeral," Ms Clark added.
Seven men suspected of the killing were detained by police late on Thursday, while an eighth was still being sought.
Police said four of the men had confessed to attacking the vessel, saying they fired the shots that killed Blake in self-defense.
Mr Blake, 53, was considered one of the most successful yatchsmen in history, twice leading New Zealand to victory in the sports highest profile competition, the America's Cup.
Prime Minister Clark had visited Mr Blake and the Seamaster, which was on an environmental expedition, during a trip to Brazil last month.