What hardships did early explorers have to face at sea?

Early explorers faced numerous hardships at sea, including treacherous weather conditions like storms and rough seas, which could damage ships and threaten lives. They often dealt with limited provisions, leading to food and water shortages, as well as diseases such as scurvy due to a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. Navigational challenges, including faulty maps and the lack of accurate instrumentation, made it difficult to chart courses, while encounters with hostile indigenous populations could lead to conflict and danger.