Alexander suffered the fleet's highest mortality, with fever killing 16 men before departure and another 15 during the voyage. John White identified inadequate bilge management as the probable cause. Noxious fumes reportedly blackened the convicts' clothing and made it almost impossible to stand over the opened hatches. After the surgeons complained, Arthur Phillip compelled master Duncan Sinclair to pump and air the bilges or surrender command to someone who would.
Chapter · 1:44:52-1:47:12
Foul bilges drive Alexander's fever crisis
Alexander's mortality crisis exposed the consequences of neglected bilges and the authority required to force corrective action.