Glossary
Terms & Glossaries of Shipping and Trading
Adrift
Afloat and unattached in any way to the shore or seabed, but not under way/power.
It implies that a vessel is not under control and therefore goes where the wind and current take her (loose from moorings, or out of place). Also refers to any gear not fastened down or put away properly. It can also be used to mean 'absent without leave'.
