Boaty McBoatface is up for discussion with science experts called to Parliament. A public vote to name the new $A388 million National Environment Research Council’s polar research vessel had a huge response, with 124,000 voting for “Boaty McBoatface”, more than four times as many votes as the next most popular one.

KILLJOY scientists will be hauled before MPs next month to explain whether the Boaty McBoatface saga was a taxpayer funded “PR disaster”.

The row over the online poll … will be subject to an official Commons probe. … But the final decision lies with Science Minister Jo Johnson who has hinted he does not favour the jokey moniker.

The 128-metre research vessel is set to launch in 2019 and will carry 90 scientists and staff around the waters of the Arctic and Antarctic in a bid to understand the effects of global warming.

“We would like the name to be inspirational and about environmental and polar science, to help us tell everyone about the amazing work the ship does.”

Humorless lot. “Boaty McBoatface” is funny, memorable, and very popular.

UPDATE: Boaty McBoatface snubbed as name for UK research vessel. The British Government has chosen to name its now-famous polar research ship the RSS Sir David Attenborough, on the verge of the naturalist’s 90th birthday, in a snub to the popular choice, Boaty McBoatface.

“Boaty McBoatface” received 124,109 votes, “RSS Poppy Mai”, named in honour of a young girl with cancer, received 34,371 votes, RSS Henry Worsley,” a tribute to the British explorer, came third. Fourth place was “RRS It’s Bloody Cold Here,” with the eventual choice “RRS Sir David Attenborough” fifth. Tax payers only get to pay for the boat, not to ride in it or choose its name.

hat-tip Matthew