- Unknown sea conditions: Columbus and his crew had no prior knowledge or maps of the open ocean they were sailing into, which made navigation and estimating distances difficult.
- Lack of fresh water: The main concern during long voyages was the depletion of fresh water supplies, as they relied on rainfall or freshwater sources from islands along the way.
- Food shortages: The ships were stocked with salted meat and biscuits that became spoiled or ran out during the long voyage, leading to severe food shortages and malnutrition among the crew.
- Scurvy: A disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, which affects the gums and causes tooth loss. It was widespread among the crew due to the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables during the voyage.
- Storms and rough seas: The Atlantic Ocean is known for its unpredictable weather patterns and storms. Columbus and his crew faced severe storms, strong currents, and high waves that damaged their ships and threatened the lives of the sailors.
- Mutiny: The long and difficult journey led to discontent and tensions among the crew. Some sailors attempted to mutiny and turn the ships back to Europe due to the hardships they were facing.
- Uncertainty and fear: The vast and unknown sea added to the psychological stress and fear of the sailors, who had no idea of the distance they had to cover or what lay ahead.