"The Slave Ship (Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying, Typhoon Coming On)." J.M.W. Turner, oil on canvas. Boston Museum of Fine Arts

Since the slaves' health was vital to their fetching a good price onshore, a ship's doctor often accompanied the cargo. Still, the trans-Atlantic passage was dangerous. Many slaves sickened and died and were thrown overboard. Some ships sank in turbulent seas. The loss of life was great.

Como la salud de los esclavos era vital para que alcanzaran una alta cotización en tierra, por lo general un doctor les acompañaron en el barco. Sin embargo, la travesía transatlántica era peligrosa. Muchos esclavos se enfermaban, morían y eran lanzados al mar. Algunos barcos se hundían en los mares turbulentos. La pérdida de vida era alta.