How cramped were the convict ships?

Convict ships were notoriously cramped, often designed to carry many more prisoners than they could comfortably accommodate. In the hold, convicts were typically confined to small spaces, with minimal ventilation and sanitation, leading to unsanitary conditions. Many were forced to lie side by side in tight quarters for long voyages, which contributed to the spread of disease and discomfort. These harsh conditions reflected the brutal realities of transportation during that era.