Why did sailors in the old days starve?

Question

Why did saliors in the old days starve on their boats why would they just not fish?

Answer 1

The problem was not starvation, usually, the problem was usually scurvy. It's a lack of vitamin C and there is none to be found in fish. So, while they may have been able to catch and eat fish, which, by the way is not a guaranteed thing (especially in mid-ocean where there are few fish) there was no way, at all, for them to get sufficient nutrients for their bodies.

It was not, for example, an issue that Columbus would fall off the edge of the earth, they knew the world was round, the issue was that it was too far to Asia and therefore the sailors would die of scurvy before they got there. It's a very painful deterioration of the bones and joints. It can cause death.

Answer 2

There are very few fish that live off shore and near the top surface of the water. Most fish caught off shore are ground fish caught by drag netters. There was no sonar to locate schools of fish like boats have now, so it was much harder to find them. They also wouldn’t want to lose time covering distance because they can’t sail and fish at the same time. Losing time could be dangerous, as well as sitting still since piracy was more prevalent then as well. I’m sure if they were starving to death they probably would fish, as a necessity. They also didn’t have the extensive fishing gear or knowledge of good fishing practices we have today.

Answer 3

John B and Ronald M have it right. It isn't a single factor, frankly. There is also the issue of fresh water. Once a ship is out at sea, if there is no wind to keep the vessel's momentum going, the people on board the ship can quickly go through resources. Getting fresh water without rain when you are not close to land is nearly impossible.

So if you factor in scurvy and lack of fish because they are deeper in the water complicated by the dehydration brought on by no fresh water it is not surprising that there were many lives lost at sea.

Answer 4

Starvation was not usually the issue. As stated it was a lack of vitamin C mostly. But also the biggest issue was drinking water. It was very difficult to store large quantities of water in those days without it getting rather disgusting in a big hurry.

That was one of the reasons for the Rum ration, it killed the taste of the water.

Answer 5

It wasn't starvation that would kill them; it was scurvy; a disease brought on by a lack of vitamin C. And no amount of fish could compensate for it.
(This is why the British started carry limes aboard their ships; and where the nickname, Limey originated.)

Answer 6

because most fish species stay close to land in the open ocean there is few fish, or they live in deep water

Answer 7

back then they didn't have all the better things we have today,
we now days have more to eat and drink and not worry about things like that.
back then I'm sure they did what they could to get by.

Answer 8

The water in which they are sailing doesn't have fishes.

Answer 9

Lack of food.

Answer 10

if someone starved to death, why didnt they just eat him?