Boaty McBoatface isn’t entirely scuppered, though, because as a sop to the unwashed masses, the name will be used for a a “high-tech remotely operated undersea vehicle” aboard the good ship Attenborough. Seeing as you ask, the name RRS David Attenborough actually came in fifth in the public poll, with just 10,284 votes.
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“That being said, I’m really pleased to hear Boaty McBoatface will live on”, he said.
And this afternoon the committee boss Nicola Blackwood said the public “want to know whether there’s going to be a “Boaty McVolte-face” on the name”.
Mr Johnson said: “The public provided some truly inspirational and creative names, and while it was a hard 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”.
“I’m looking forward to the work of both the RRS David Attenborough, and of course, Boaty McBoatface”.
Natural Environment Research Council’s chief executive Professor Duncan Wingham will give evidence on Tuesday, but as of yet the Business Minister Jo Johnson will not be summoned to explain his role in the prank.
“The ship has captured the imaginations of millions, which is why we’re ensuring that the Boaty name lives on through the sub-sea vehicle that will support the research crew, and the polar science education programme that will bring their work to life”. The name appeals to the child in us: that’s one of the reasons it’s been so popular.
The government said the name was “one of the top suggestions” – but conceded it only received 11,000 votes.
Its closest competitor was RRS Poppy-Mai with 34,371 votes while RRS Henry Worsley came in at third with 15,231 votes.
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The £200m vessel will instead be named after the world-renowned naturalist and broadcaster, days before he turns 90.
