Britain’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) held an internet poll to name their newest research ship. The final results had “Boaty McBoatface” winning with 124,109 votes, which is four times the number of votes the runner-up received. But as you knew would happen, the powers-that-be have nixed the name.
Appearing to drown all hope that the U.K.'s new $300 million research vessel will be named "Boaty McBoatface," Science Minister Jo Johnson says the ship needs a more "suitable" name.
We have yet to hear what that “more suitable” name will be. Former BBC radio host James Hand, who submitted the name “Boaty McBoatface,” said his favorite was “Clifford the Big Red Boat.” I prefer the RRS “Pee-Eee Cee Tee.”
(Image credit: Natural Environment Research Council)