Are the freighters literally getting sick, or is this a true issue of cabin fever?

I think they are really sick. My theory is if your not destined to go to the island... you don't go. The freighter 4 seem to be chosen for this reason. They are meant to go there.

I think they really are sick as well, and it's not just cabin fever. The cabin fever seemed to be blamed on the "saboteur", but it seemed the Captain thought this was an affliction in addition to a sickness.

1. The island screws with time.

2. Cabin fever is the result of being trapped in a place for a long time.

I think what the captain says is true. They're developing this cabin fever because the island is bending time and making it seem longer than it really has been.

Are the freighters literally getting sick, or is this a true issue of cabin fever?

I bet the blood stain on Desmond and Sayid's quarters was from someone blowing their own brains out.

I highly doubt anyone would wrap themselves in chains and jump overboard because of a case of cabin fever, they have to be getting sick due to the island, probably starting to feel some of the same effects as Des and Mclouski(sp).

I'm wondering if someone can confirm or refute what I heard . . . did the Captain say that there were two events - the cabin fever AND the sickness due to the proximity to the island?