What’s the difference between flotsam and jetsam?
Both terms refer to floating debris, and might, therefore, be considered synonyms. However, technically “flotsam” (also known as “floatsam” or “flotson”) refers to the floating remains after a ship has foundered (or sunk), or cargo that was washed overboard by a storm, like wood items, furniture, life rings and so forth. Items that have been deliberately jettisoned (thrown overboard) from a ship, usually a ship in distress, are called “jetsam”. A ship in danger of sinking might jettison some cargo or other items to lighten the ship. In other words, “jetsam” is deliberate whereas “flotsam” is accidental. Of course, if a boater happens to find some floating debris in the water, it would be hard to distinguish the difference. One new hazard to navigation has become common with the advent of containerized shipping: containers that have been washed overboard in a storm. While they eventually sink, for a awhile they may float just at the surface, largely submerged and thus hard to spot by ey
