British government ignores Boaty McBoatface name for ship

Britain’s new polar research ship will be called the RSS Sir David Attenborough rather than the popular Boaty McBoatface. Courtesy NERC

LONDON // Boaty McBoatface had captured the public’s fancy but British officials said on Friday the country’s newest polar research vessel will be christened Sir David Attenborough, in honour of the prominent naturalist and broadcaster.

But all is not lost for Boaty McBoatface supporters who had voted in favour of the unusual – and perhaps undignified – name by an overwhelming margin.

Science minister Jo Johnson said a submarine vessel that will support the crew and various research programmes will be called Boaty McBoatface.

“The public provided some truly inspirational and creative names, and while it was a difficult decision I’m delighted that our state-of-the-art polar research ship will be named after one of the nation’s most cherished broadcasters and natural scientists,” he said.

Sir Attenborough, who has produced a string of nature documentaries for the BBC and will celebrate his 90th birthday on Sunday, said he was “truly honoured” by the choice of name.

The Natural Environment Research Council had asked for help finding a name reflecting the £200 million (Dh1.06bn) ship’s mission and celebrating British naval history.

The jokey suggestion Boaty McBoatface got 124,109 votes, more than three times its nearest rival.

The vote was advisory and officials had hinted that a more serious name would be chosen for the vessel, which is scheduled to be launched in three years.

* Associated Press