British Government Snubs Boaty McBoatface During Naming Process

Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Fri May 6, 2016

Photo via Twitter

On Friday, the British government faced backlash after they refused to name a polar research ship with the moniker that won an online poll.

Sorry cruisers, but "Boaty McBoatface" will not be the vessel's name.

According to NBCNews.com, the United Kingdom's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills announced it would override the results of the online poll and name the polar research ship the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

The results of the original poll saw the name "Boaty McBoatface" win by a landslide-the moniker received 124,000 votes-but the government said "RRS Sir David Attenborough" was also one of the top suggestions despite only receiving 11,000 votes.

READ MORE: We're Fairly Certain 'Boaty McBoatface' Creator is In Fact Partnering with RCI

David Attenborough, a British naturalist and broadcaster, told NBCNews.com that he was "truly honored 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."

The $290 million, 419-feet-long polar research vessel may not have been named what most voters wanted, but the British government has made a concession. One of the high-tech underwater drones found onboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough will now be dubbed as Boaty McBoatface.

The RRS Sir David Attenborough is scheduled to be completed in 2019.


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Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

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