The harpoon fortunately happened to be attached to a large buoy, called by whalers a drogue, which was jerked out of the boat like a cannon-shot as the whale went down, carrying harpoon and drogue along with it.
"The Red Eric"
R.M. Ballantyne
Don't you see your drogue has broke loose?
"The Red Eric"
R.M. Ballantyne
If the drogue had become detached the fish would have been free, and both crews would have been entitled to chase and capture it if they were able.
"The Red Eric"
R.M. Ballantyne