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Jan 4, 2021 · Flotsam and jetsam are terms that describe two types of marine debris associated with vessels. Flotsam is defined as debris in the water that was not deliberately thrown overboard, often as a result from a shipwreck or accident.
In maritime law, flotsam pertains to goods that are floating on the surface of the water as the result of a wreck or accident. One who discovers flotsam is allowed to claim it unless someone else establishes their ownership of it. Even when the source is known, items may be considered flotsam claimable by the finder.
phrase. You can use flotsam and jetsam to refer to small or unimportant items that are found together, especially ones that have no connection with each other. ...cornflake packets, bottles, and all the flotsam and jetsam of the kitchen. [+ of] ...flotsam and jetsam on the beach. See full dictionary entry for flotsam.
Flotsam and jetsam are marine debris found in the oceans of the world. The difference between jetsam and flotsam is related to whether the debris was thrown into the sea deliberately or was involuntarily cast into sea.
Apr 22, 2024 · Based on whether it came from a ship and how and why it landed up adrift, it may be termed flotsam or jetsam. Using the generic phrase “flotsam and jetsam” to refer to all objects floating on the sea surface without any consideration for its meaning can often create confusion in legal proceedings.
Flotsam and jetsam are terms used under maritime law to describe floating debris, and the circumstances in which it was abandoned. “Flotsam” refers to debris that’s left behind unintentionally due to wreckage, and “jetsam” refers to items that are purposefully thrown overboard, to lighten the load.
As nouns the difference between jetsam and flotsam. is that jetsam is articles thrown overboard from a ship or boat in order to lighten the load of a ship in distress while flotsam is debris floating in a river or sea, in particular fragments from a shipwreck.
Flotsam literally meant “wreckage or cargo that remains afloat after a ship has sunk.” Jetsam meant “goods thrown overboard from a ship in danger of sinking in order to give it more buoyancy.” Both literal meanings remain current, although the distinction between them is often forgotten.
There’s a simple mnemonic that helps distinguish flotsam from jetsam. Flotsam (or floatsome) are those items which are floating as a consequence of the action of the sea. Jetsam are those which have been jettisoned by a ship’s crew (although that may float too of course).
1. : floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo. broadly : floating debris. flotsam washed up by the tide. 2. a. : a floating population (as of emigrants or castaways) human flotsam. b. : miscellaneous or unimportant material. a notebook filled with flotsam and jetsam. c. : debris, remains. the village … built on the flotsam of war Stan Sesser.
