After weeks of debate and deliberation the name of ‘Boaty McBoatface’ has been decided.
Despite ‘Boaty McBoatface’ winning the popular vote by a land-slide, the government have decided to go with the slightly more dignified name of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, the BBC reports.
The decision, comes just a few days before Sir David ninetieth birthday and according to the government is in recognition of his ‘legacy in British broadcasting’.
The naming will disappoint all those who voted to christen the ship ‘Boaty McBoatface’ but they’ve been given a pretty cool consolation prize.
Science Minister, Jo Johnson, announced today that ‘Boaty McBoatface’ will live on in the form of a remotely operated sub on board the £200m research ship, which will be used to explore the Antarctic waters.
Mr Johnson had previously fought against the hilariously popular name saying he wanted something that would ‘capture the spirit of scientific endeavour’.
The absurd name was the brainchild of BBC radio presenter James Hand, who suggested it as a joke.
Although he later apologised for the gag name getting out of hand saying, that while he stands by ‘Boaty McBoatface’ as a ‘brilliant name’, he still voted for RRS David Attenborough.
If you find the name disappointing remember that technically it’s a ship so it really would have been called ‘Shippy McShipface’ which just doesn’t have the same ring…
More of a concept than a journalist, Tom Percival was forged in the bowels of Salford University from which he emerged grasping a Masters in journalism.
Since then his rise has been described by himself as ‘meteoric’ rising to the esteemed rank of Social Editor at UNILAD as well as working at the BBC, Manchester Evening News, and ITV.
He credits his success to three core techniques, name repetition, personality mirroring, and never breaking off a handshake.