Adrift

Adrift describes a vessel or object floating free with no propulsion, anchor, or mooring holding it, moving only under wind, current, and tide. A ship that loses engine power and parts its tow is adrift and becomes a not-under-command vessel under COLREGs Rule 27, showing two all-round red lights in a vertical line. Loose gear or a boat broken from its lashings is also said to be adrift. The term marks a loss of positive control, distinct from a vessel stopped but still able to maneuver.