An open vote allowing the public to offer names for a new £200 million Royal Research Ship has thrown up a sensational frontrunner -- the RRS Boaty McBoatface.
The suggestion for the Natural Research Council’s polar explorer is currently beating the RRS Henry Worseley and the RRS David Attenborough.
The vessel, which is 128 metres long and is due to be in operation in the Arctic and Antarctic from 2019, will carry up to 90 scientists and support staff.
To cast your vote, click here.
Update: The Natural Research Council posted a clarification on Sunday saying the final decision will be made by a panel, not the votes.
Update 2: The gentlemen responsible for suggesting the name in the first place in the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) poll, has apologised.
Former BBC presenter James Hand said: "I read the story about naming the ship on the BBC website on Thursday and some of the entries were really funny - my favourite was Clifford The Big Red Boat.
"I thought I would throw one into the ring. By Friday night it was leading by a couple of thousand, and when the site crashed on Sunday it was leading by 8,000. It's been utterly bizarre."
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Boaty McBoatface Is Not Going Down Well With The Ex-Navy Head
BOATY McBOATFACE QUIZ! Real Ship Name Or One We Just Made Up?