Boaty McBoatface, if so named, can survive up to 60 days in sea ice, travel 19,000 miles non-stop, and deploy both robotic submarines, marine gliders, and airborne drones.
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The name has emerged as a favorite since Britain’s Natural Environment Research Council sought input in naming the new vessel, urging the public to find an “inspirational name” that reflects the ship’s mission and celebrates Britain’s long naval history.
And it’s not the only witticism in the running, with Usain Boat, Ice Ice Baby and Notthetitanic also proving popular on social media ahead of the voting deadline on 16 April.
And no doubt when NERC – which proposed the design and construction of the new polar research vessel – mounted the “Name Our Ship!” poll (which has been frequently crashing recently due to exceedingly high traffic), they may have hoped to receive votes for names that would be equally dignified, reminiscent of notable and intrepid polar scientists.
The Independent has more on the story HERE. The final name will be selected by the NERC, according to competition rules.
Former BBC radio presenter James Hand, who came up with the name, said 90 percent of the thousands of entries were daft – so he thought he would throw in one of his own.
“We are excited to hear what the public have to suggest and we really are open to ideas”, the chief executive said. James Hand “I’ve actually been speaking a bit to the people behind the Web site”. Time will tell if a more traditional name is chosen; until then, Boaty McBoatface continues to lead the charge.
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The organization had originally suggested more traditional names at the contest’s announcement, such as Endeavour, Falcon, and Shackleton, the later of which is a nod to British polar explorer Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton.
