The Lost Island of Mutineers: The True Story of HMS Bounty On April 28, 1789, Fletcher Christian led what would become history's most famous naval rebellion aboard HMS Bounty in the South Pacific. After seizing control from Captain William Bligh, the mutineers cast the captain and 18 loyal crewmen adrift in a small open boat with minimal provisions. Remarkably, Captain Bligh led his men on an incredible 3,500-nautical-mile journey to safety in Timor, demonstrating extraordinary navigation skills