The word “mutiny” brings to mind images of HMS Bounty, Capt. Bligh, and conflict on the high seas. The Olympic Mutiny, however, took place in the 20th century and while the liner was in port.
The “mutineers” (actually strikers) were protesting the hurried installation of 40 allegedly aged and corroded collapsible lifeboats on the White Star liner Olympic. The lifeboats, reportedly taken from naval vessels moored nearby in Southampton, were hastily added to Olympic in the wake of the previous month’s Titanic disaster.