David Attenborough… and Subby McSubface

BBC has the final outcome of the Boaty McBoatface saga – the research vessel will be named after documentarist Sir David Attenborough, but will have a very special remote submersible:

The UK’s new polar research ship is to be named RRS Sir David Attenborough, despite the title “Boaty McBoatface” previously topping a public vote.

While the polar ship itself will not be named Boaty McBoatface, one of its remotely operated sub-sea vehicles will be named Boaty in recognition of the vote.

James Hand, who first suggested the flippant moniker, said he was pleased the name would “live on”.

In a tweet, he also said that RRS Sir David Attenborough, which came fourth in the public vote, was a “fitting and excellent choice”.

The Boaty sub-sea vehicle will be dispatched from RRS Sir David Attenborough to allow the ship’s research crew to collect data and samples from the deepest waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.

An alternative name of “Subby McSubface” is already being suggested on social media.