What's The Difference Between Flotsam and Jetsam?

[Meanderer]

The Thread on the missing plane MH-370 reminded me of Flotsam and Jetsam. Not the Heavy Metal group...or the vaudevillian team, but something different.

What are flotsam and jetsam?

Flotsam and jetsam are terms for specific types of marine debris.

http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/flotsam-jetsam.html

 

[Warrigal]

Interesting post. I thought it was because one floats and the other doesn't.

 

[Falcon]

Interesting..... I never really knew the difference.

Dame Warrigal was correct about flotsam....floating.

 

[MrJim]

Flotsam comes from boats & other vessels which float.

Jetsam comes from jets passing overhead.

OK, I know that was incredibly stupid, but it was the best thing I could think of.

 

[hollydolly]

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. Jetsam describes debris that was deliberately thrown overboard by a crew of a ship in distress, most often to lighten the ship's load. The word flotsam derives from the French word floter, to float. Jetsam is a shortened word for jettison.



Under maritime law the distinction is important. Flotsam may be claimed by the original owner, whereas jetsam may be claimed as property of whoever discovers it. If the jetsam is valuable, the discoverer may collect proceeds received though the sale of the salvaged objects.


(googled that btw)