William Bligh was a British naval officer and explorer, best known for his role as the captain of the HMS Bounty. He gained notoriety for the infamous mutiny that occurred on the ship in 1789, led by Fletcher Christian. Bligh and a small group of loyal crew members were set adrift in a small boat, which they navigated over 3,600 miles to safety. After the mutiny, Bligh continued his naval career and later became the governor of New South Wales in Australia. He is remembered for his navigational skills and contributions to maritime exploration, despite the controversies surrounding his leadership style.