This episode explores the historical account of a disastrous 18th-century British naval expedition and the subsequent mutiny, as detailed in David Grann's book, *The Wager*. Against the backdrop of the War of Jenkins' Ear, five British warships embarked on a secret mission to capture a Spanish galleon, facing perilous conditions in the Drake Passage and around Cape Horn. More significantly, the interview delves into the experiences of the crew of *The Wager*, a ship repurposed from a merchant vessel, highlighting the harsh realities of life at sea, including disease outbreaks (typhus and scurvy), brutal press gangs, and the lack of personal space. For instance, the interview describes the harrowing task of climbing the ship's masts during storms, and the rudimentary sanitation facilities. As the discussion pivoted to the shipwreck and subsequent stranding on a desolate island, the narrative highlighted the breakdown of naval discipline, leading to starvation, violence, and even cannibalism. The ensuing mutiny, led by the gunner John Bulkley, against Captain Cheap, is analyzed, emphasizing the complex moral and political considerations involved. Ultimately, the episode concludes by examining the court-martial proceedings and the surprising outcome, where the focus shifted from the mutiny and murder charges to the causes of the shipwreck, reflecting the British Empire's desire to avoid a public relations disaster.
