During a public vote to name a research vessel, one name captured the public's imagination: Boaty McBoatface. Proposed in March 2016, this suggestion quickly climbed to the top of the poll, receiving a staggering amount of support from internet users. The name was inspired by a previous humorous naming event involving an owl, indicating a trend of playful public engagement.
Despite its popularity, the name Boaty McBoatface was not chosen for the actual ship. In October 2016, the UK Natural Environment Research Council announced that the vessel would instead be named after the renowned broadcaster and zoologist David Attenborough. This decision came despite Boaty McBoatface receiving far more votes than Attenborough's name.
In a compromise that delighted many, the name Boaty McBoatface was assigned to one of the submersibles operated by the ship RRS Sir David Attenborough. This resolution was viewed as a way to keep the public engaged and entertained while also acknowledging the original intention behind the suggestion. The incident sparked conversations about how the internet can influence decision-making processes, leading to the term "McBoatfacing" being coined to describe similar situations.
Boaty McBoatface was launched as part of a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles designed to gather data for oceanography. Its missions have included research into Antarctic waters and the mixing of ocean currents, contributing valuable insights into climate change.
The phenomenon around the name Boaty McBoatface has continued to resonate with the public, showcasing the whimsical side of online engagement and how a light-hearted suggestion can create a legacy in scientific research.
