Could Australia get its own Boaty McBoatface?

[maddog]

Environment Minster Greg Hunt needs a hand to name Australia's new icebreaker. Any suggestions?

[wander]

Tinnie McTinnie

[Gadgetgeek]

Gotta go with the aussie nickname rules, so boaty could become Bozza Mcboatface?

Tin-o Tinnerson,

Shizza Shipington?

[tastrax]

I love the suggestion of Cold Chisel, very clever

[Overlandman]

Latest from ABC

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-06/b ... ub/7392388

The British Government has chosen to name its now-famous polar research ship the RRS Sir David Attenborough, on the verge of the naturalist's 90th birthday, in a snub to the popular choice, Boaty McBoatface.

In a media release and series of tweets, UK Science Minister Jo Johnson said that Boaty McBoatface "will live on as the name of one of the high-tech remotely operated sub-sea vehicles".

"Following a call for suggestions that sparked global interest, Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough has been selected as a name that captures the ship's scientific mission and celebrates the broadcaster's contribution to natural science," the statement said.

The $400 million state-of-the-art research vessel "has captured the imaginations of millions," Mr Johnson said.

"Which is why we're ensuring that the Boaty name lives on through the sub-sea vehicle that will support the research crew, and the polar science education program that will bring their work to life."

Sir David Attenborough said he was honoured by the 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".

Next week, a House of Commons select committee will host the heads of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which ran the Name Our Ship competition, in "an inquiry into science communication ... and NERC's broader public engagement strategy in this context".

The name Boaty McBoatface, which caused an internet sensation during voting, was the runaway winner of the public poll, beating entries honouring explorers and scientists.

It received 124,109 votes, giving it a staggering lead over runner-up RRS Poppy Mai, named in honour of a young girl with cancer, which received 34,371 votes.

Coming in at third place was RRS Henry Worsley, a tribute to the British explorer. Fourth place was RRS It's *&%$#! Cold Here, with the eventual NERC choice RRS Sir David Attenborough fifth.