jetsam

Jetsam refers to the debris or wreckage of ships, boats, or other watercraft that has been abandoned or lost at sea. The term originates from the Dutch word "jets," meaning "yesterday," and "goed," meaning "goods," reflecting the idea that the items were once valuable but are now discarded. Jetsam is often found on beaches or in coastal waters, and it can include a wide range of objects such as furniture, appliances, personal belongings, and even entire vessels. The presence of jetsam can provide valuable information to maritime archaeologists and historians about past maritime activities and shipwrecks. It is distinct from flotsam, which refers to floating debris that has been washed or blown out to sea, often from land. Both jetsam and flotsam are important components of marine debris and can have significant environmental impacts if not properly managed.