Flotsam vs. Jetsam — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Flotsam refers to debris unintentionally floating after a shipwreck, while jetsam describes items deliberately thrown overboard to lighten a ship. Both are marine debris but differ in origin.
Difference Between Flotsam and Jetsam
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Flotsam consists of items unintentionally left floating in the sea after a shipwreck. Jetsam, on the other hand, includes objects intentionally jettisoned to lighten a ship in distress.
Flotsam often results from accidental incidents like collisions or storms, whereas jetsam is a deliberate act carried out by a ship’s crew to improve buoyancy.
Flotsam tends to drift for long distances due to currents, while jetsam might stay relatively closer to where it was discarded.
Flotsam is typically considered the property of the ship’s owner, while jetsam may become the property of those who recover it if it is not reclaimed.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Unintentional floating debris from ships
Intentionally jettisoned cargo or gear
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Cause
Accidental, due to shipwrecks
Deliberate, to lighten a ship
Location
Drifts with ocean currents
Often closer to the dumping point
Ownership
Belongs to the original ship’s owner
Can be claimed by finders if abandoned
Purpose
Result of accidents
To save a ship in distress
Compare with Definitions
Flotsam
Items unintentionally left floating after a shipwreck.
After the collision, pieces of flotsam washed ashore.
Jetsam
Goods or gear deliberately thrown overboard to lighten a ship.
The crew discarded excess jetsam to stabilize their ship.
Flotsam
Unplanned waste resulting from maritime accidents.
Oil spills can cause flotsam to accumulate rapidly.
Jetsam
Discarded when a ship is at risk of sinking.
The crew tossed out jetsam to reduce their vessel’s weight.
Flotsam
Items belonging to the original owner unless abandoned.
The ship’s flotsam was later recovered by its crew.
Jetsam
Items that can be claimed if not retrieved by the owner.
The jetsam was collected by a nearby fishing vessel.
Flotsam
Floating marine debris regardless of origin.
The flotsam from the storm littered the shoreline.
Jetsam
Can become valuable salvage if not recovered.
Fishermen often collect jetsam for resale.
Flotsam
Objects that drift across the ocean due to currents.
Fishermen often find flotsam stuck in their nets.
Jetsam
Disposed of to improve the ship’s safety.
The sailors dropped their jetsam to prevent capsizing.
Flotsam
The wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea.
Jetsam
Goods that are cast overboard from a ship, especially in an attempt to lighten the ship, and that sink to the bottom of a body of water.
Flotsam
Goods floating on the surface of a body of water after a shipwreck or after being cast overboard to lighten the ship.
Jetsam
Discarded odds and ends.
Flotsam
Discarded or unimportant things
"Keyrings, bookmarks ... gum, scissors, paper clips ... pencils and pads stolen from various hotels.
Jetsam
Articles thrown overboard from a ship or boat in order to lighten the load of a ship in distress.
There she was, floating amongst the jetsam, like so much debris.
Flotsam
People who are considered to be worthless or to have been rejected by society.
Jetsam
(by extension) Discarded odds and ends.
They were the jetsam of the dot-com bust.
Flotsam
Debris floating in a river or sea, in particular fragments from a shipwreck.
Jetsam
Goods which sink when cast into the sea, and remain under water; - distinguished from flotsam, goods which float, and ligan (or lagan), goods which are sunk attached to a buoy.
Flotsam
Goods lost by shipwreck, and floating on the sea; - in distinction from jetsam or jetson.
Jetsam
The act of throwing objects from a ship to lighten the load; jettison{1}. See Jettison, 1.
Flotsam
The floating wreckage of a ship
Jetsam
Anything thrown overboard from a ship, whether floating or not.
Jetsam
Objects scattered about in a disorderly manner; as, he couldn't find his sneakers among the jetsam in his room.
Jetsam
The part of a ship's equipment or cargo that is thrown overboard to lighten the load in a storm
Jetsam
The floating wreckage of a ship
Common Curiosities
How do currents affect flotsam?
Ocean currents can transport flotsam across long distances.
Is jetsam always discarded in emergencies?
Generally, yes, but it can also be disposed of for other reasons, like offloading unnecessary cargo.
What happens to jetsam that is abandoned?
It can be collected and kept or sold by those who find it.
Is flotsam the same as jetsam?
No, flotsam is accidental debris from shipwrecks, while jetsam is deliberately discarded to lighten a ship.
Why is flotsam often valuable?
It may include cargo or parts of the ship, which can be salvaged.
Does jetsam ever have environmental impacts?
Yes, dumped materials can harm marine life or pollute shorelines.
Why is jetsam sometimes dumped even when not in danger?
To offload unnecessary weight or cargo to improve a ship’s efficiency.
Can jetsam be reclaimed by the original owner?
Yes, but if abandoned, it can be legally claimed by finders.
Who has the rights to flotsam?
The original owner has the right to recover it unless abandoned.
What kinds of items are considered jetsam?
Cargo, equipment, and ballast often thrown overboard.
Is flotsam only found after shipwrecks?
Usually, but it can also come from other accidental releases into the ocean.
How does salvage law distinguish between flotsam and jetsam?
Flotsam is linked to ownership, while jetsam may belong to finders if abandoned.
Why might jetsam be lighter than flotsam?
Jetsam often includes floating items deliberately chosen to lighten a ship.
Can flotsam remain afloat indefinitely?
Some materials can float for years before washing ashore.
Is flotsam ever intentionally dumped into the ocean?
Not typically; it's usually accidental, unlike jetsam, which is intentional.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
