William Bligh was a British naval officer and explorer, best known for his role as captain of the HMS Bounty during its infamous mutiny in 1789. Born in 1754, he gained a reputation for his navigational skills and leadership. The mutiny, led by Fletcher Christian, was sparked by Bligh's strict discipline and harsh treatment of the crew. After the mutiny, Bligh and a few loyal crew members were set adrift in a small boat. Remarkably, he navigated over 3,600 miles to safety in Timor, demonstrating his exceptional seamanship. Bligh later continued his naval career and became a governor in Australia.