What is Jetsam?

   Jetsam is the cargo or equipment  thrown overboard at sea to save a ship in distress. When a portion of a cargo is cast overboard to save a ship from foundering, or to enable it to escape from the enemy, the loss is distributed among the various owners of the cargo in proportion to the value of their shipments. Those whose property is saved are required to make up a part of the loss of him whose property is sacrificed for the general good. This is an old law of the sea.