Flotsam an jetsam

In maritime law, flotsam, jetsam, lagan an derelict describe specific kynds o wreck. Heestorically the wirds haed specific nautical meanings, wi legal consequences.

Definitions

Thare is a technical difference atween the twa maist commonly-kent terms, Flotsam an Jetsam:

• Flotsam describes guids that are floatin on the watter athoot haein been thrown in deliberately, aften efter a shipwreck, while
• Jetsam haes been voluntarily cast intae the sea (jettisoned) bi the crew o a ship, uisually in order tae lichten it in an emergency.
• Ligan (or lagan), describes guids that hae been markit bi bein tee'd tae a buoy sae that its awner can fynd an retrieve it later.
• Derelict is property which haes been abandoned an desertit at sea bi those who wur in chairge athoot ony howp o recoverin it. This includes vessels an cargae.