The UK’s new polar research ship, costing around £200m, was officially named on 26th September by Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. It is called the ‘RRS Sir David Attenborough’ in honor of the famed naturalist, still going strong in his 94th year.
Nothing to see here yet? Well, in a somewhat ill-advised moved, the UK government had initially invited the British public to vote for a name for this vessel. The clear winner with over 120,000 votes? Well, ‘Boaty McBoatface’ of course!
Sadly, the Natural Environment Research Council had the final say. But, to show they do have a sense of fun as well, the vessel’s long-range robotic yellow submarine has been given the memorable moniker!
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-49829315
