‘Sir David Attenborough’ Beats ‘Boaty McBoatface’ In Vessel-Naming Battle

It’s done. 

Boaty McBoatface is no more. Well, kind of. 

After ascending all the way to bloody British Parliament, the issue of naming that big, red polar research vessel has been now finalised: world, get ready to meet the RRS Sir David Attenborough. 


Attenborough is obviously chuffed with the news. He said he hopes “everyone who suggested a name will feel just as inspired to follow the ship’s progress as it explores our polar regions.

I have been privileged to explore the world’s deepest oceans alongside amazing teams of researchers, and with this new polar research ship they will be able to go further and discover more than ever before.”
FWIW, RRS Sir David Attenborough came a respectable fifth in the public vote, just behind RRS It’s Bloody Cold Here. 

After perhaps choosing the only name possible that wouldn’t incense keen onlookers – after all, we do all love a bit of Dave, and his achievements as an environmental advocate are legendary – Science Minister Jo Johnson took to Twitter to announce the moniker Boaty would live on.

Johnson said the lead-up to the announcement and that bonkers public vote had “captured the imaginations of millions,” so they’re “ensuring that the Boaty name lives on through the sub-sea vehicle that will support the research crew, and the polar science education program that will bring their work to life.”


James Hand, the bloke behind the Boaty name, also had some pretty nice things to say about the Natural Environment Research Council’s decision:


You know what? We’re almost okay with this, too.

Almost. 

Source: ABC. 
Photo: NERC. 

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