Boaty McBoatface torpedoed as ship is named Attenborough
That name was proposed by ex- BBC presenter James Hand after the Natural Environment Research Council asked the public for ideas.
He said: “RRS David Attenborough is a fitting and excellent choice. It’s the name I voted for from a sea of worthy contenders.
“That being said, I’m really pleased to hear Boaty McBoatface will live on. The name appeals to the child in us – that’s one of the reasons it’s been so popular.
“I never expected Boaty to become as popular as he has and I’m glad the NERC has chosen to harness some of that interest.
“I’m looking forward to following the work of both RRS David Attenborough and of course Boaty McBoatface.”
Sir David said he hoped the ship, being built on Mersyside and due to sail in 2019, would embark on many voyages of discovery.
He said: “I am truly honoured by this naming decision and hope that 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.
“With this new polar research ship they will be able to go further and discover more than ever before.”
The public put forward 7,000 possible names. A front- runner was Henry Worsley, after the British explorer who died in January just short of becoming the first man to cross the Antarctic unaided.
Mr Johnson said: “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 scientists.
“This vessel will carry the Atten- borough name for decades to come, as it fulfils its mission to explore the oceans and put Britain at the forefront of efforts to preserve our precious marine environment.
“The ship has captured the imaginations of millions, which is why we are ensuring that the Boaty name lives on through the sub- sea vehicle that will support the research crew.”