Samuel Plimsoll

The Liberal MP for Derby campaigned against 'coffin ships', overloaded and over-insured vessels that owners sent to sea expecting them to sink. When Disraeli's government dropped a shipping bill in 1875, Plimsoll shook his fist at the Speaker and called shipowners villains, was suspended, and the public outcry forced the government to act. The Merchant Shipping Act of 1876 made a load line compulsory on British ships. The Plimsoll line is still painted on hulls worldwide.