A British research ship could be named Boaty McBoatface

WHEN the public was invited to choose the name for an ultra-expensive new ship, it was hoped they would come up with something inspirational. No one saw this coming.

Boaty McBoatface man ‘terribly sorry’

YOU would expect Britain’s Royal Research Ship to have a gallant name.

It’s a $380 million vessel and that will give the UK the most advanced floating research fleet in the world.

So the National Environment Research Council thought it would be a good idea to give the public the power to name the vessel.

It was thinking something along the lines of Shackleton, Endeavour or Falcon, but instead, it looks like it is set to be called “Boaty McBoatface”.

When inviting the public to vote on a name the council said, “We’re looking for an inspirational name that exemplifies the work it will do”.

They suggested it be named after a historical figure, movement, landmark or famous polar explorer.

Our current top 4 #NameOurShip suggestions. Have you voted yet? https://t.co/Vv5Or05r9l pic.twitter.com/Uf4u1XyHYf

— NERC (@NERCscience) March 18, 2016

On the weekend, RRS Boaty McBoatface was the most popular name suggested, followed by RRS Henry Worsley, RRS David Attenborough and RRS Pillar of Autumn.

Lower in the list of names is RRS Ice Ice Baby.

Many are showing their support for the new name while others are slamming it, saying it will make Britain look ridiculous.

@beccilee48 @lazyawol @NERCscience aaaanyway - that name is automatically disqualified, as we're talking about a ship here, not a boat.

— paddy (@padster) March 20, 2016

I fear that #BoatyMcBoatface is the UK's own Donald Trump moment. People shouldn't be allowed to vote for things - we're idiots

— Greg Jenner (@greg_jenner) March 20, 2016

Others said the name should be disqualified because it’s a ship not a boat.

While many are on board with the “Boaty McBoatface” name, it doesn’t mean the ship will be necessarily called that and National Environment Research Council will be the ultimate decider.

Words cannot describe how much I love the notion of naming the new royal research vessel #BoatyMcBoatface

— Dr Vicky Forster (@vickyyyf) March 20, 2016

If #BoatyMcBoatface doesn't happen I will feel completely let down by this country.

— Amanda (@Pandamoanimum) March 19, 2016

The National Environment Research Council said the ship will be completed in 2019 and will be deployed in both Antarctica and the Arctic.

It will spend up to 60 days in sea-ice at any given time, letting scientists gather extended observations and data.

Boaty McBoatface has become so popular, it even has its own Twitter account and a trending hashtag.

James Hand is the brains behind this hilarious name and he told British media he just did it as a joke and didn’t expect it to get so much support.