View source for RRS Sir David Attenborough

{{short description|Royal Research Ship operated by the British Antarctic Survey}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = RRS Sir David Attenborough at Liverpool Cruise Terminal 4.jpg
| Ship caption = RRS ''Sir David Attenborough'' berthed in Liverpool, England
}}
{{Infobox ship career
| Hide header = 
| Ship name = RRS ''Sir David Attenborough''
| Ship namesake = Sir [[David Attenborough]]
| Ship country = [[Falkland Islands]]
| Ship flag = [[File: Flag of the Falkland Islands.svg|60px]]
| Ship owner = [[Natural Environment Research Council|NERC]] Research Ship Unit
| Ship operator = [[British Antarctic Survey]]
| Ship registry = [[Stanley, Falkland Islands]]
| Ship route = 
| Ship ordered = 
| Ship builder = [[Cammell Laird]]
| Ship original cost = {{ShipCost|GBR|200|m|year=2014|r=1}}
| Ship yard number = 1390
| Ship way number = 
| Ship laid down = 17 October 2016
| Ship launched = 14 July 2018
| Ship sponsor = [[Catherine, Princess of Wales]]
| Ship christened = 26 September 2019
| Ship completed = 2 December 2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/british-antarctic-survey-takes-delivery-of-rrs-sir-david-attenborough/|title=British Antarctic Survey takes delivery of RRS Sir David Attenborough|date=2 December 2020|access-date=2 May 2022|website=British Antarctic Survey}}</ref>
| Ship maiden voyage = 
| Ship in service = 
| Ship out of service = 
| Ship fate = 
| Ship homeport = 
| Ship identification = * {{IMO Number|9798222}}
* {{MMSI Number|740405000}}
* [[Maritime call sign|Call sign]]: ZDLQ3<ref>{{csr|register=E|id=9798222|shipname=Sir David Attenborough|access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref>
| Ship status = In service
| Ship notes = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = <ref name="thenavalarchitect">Planet ice and the dual-functional ''Attenborough''. The Naval Architect, January 2017. Pages 37–38.</ref>
| Ship class = 
| Ship tonnage = *{{GT|15,000}}<ref>[https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/sites-and-facilities/facility/rrs-sir-david-attenborough/ RRS ''Sir David Attenborough''], Technical Features.  British Antarctic Survey.</ref>
* {{DWT|4475}}<ref name="cl_datasheet">[https://web.archive.org/web/20171015202912/https://www.clbh.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/CL-Datasheet-Polar-Research-Ship1.pdf Polar Research Vessel]. Cammell Laird Shipyard. {{retrieved|access-date=2017-10-15}}</ref>
| Ship displacement = 
| Ship length = {{convert|128.9|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| Ship beam = {{convert|24|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| Ship height = 
| Ship draught = {{convert|7|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| Ship depth = {{convert|11|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| Ship ice class = * [[Polar Class 4]] (hull)
* [[Polar Class 5]] (propulsion system)
| Ship power = *2{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}[[Bergen Marine|Bergen]] B33:45L6A (2{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}3,600{{nbsp}}kW)
* 2{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}Bergen B33:45L9A (2{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}5,400{{nbsp}}kW)
| Ship propulsion = * [[Diesel-electric]]; two shafts
* 2{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}2,750{{nbsp}}kW per shaft
* Two 5-bladed [[controllable pitch propeller]]s
| Ship speed = *{{convert|17.5|kn}} (maximum)
* {{convert|13|kn}} (cruising)
* {{convert|3|kn}} in {{convert|1|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} ice
| Ship range = {{convert|19000|nmi}} at 13 knots
| Ship endurance = 60 days<ref name="cl_datasheet" />
| Ship capacity = 
| Ship crew = * 28 crew
* 60 scientists
* 2 spare berths
| Ship aircraft = Facilities for 2 helicopters
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}

'''[[Royal Research Ship|RRS]] ''Sir David Attenborough''''' is a [[research vessel]] owned by the [[Natural Environment Research Council]] and operated by the [[British Antarctic Survey]] for the purposes of both research and logistic support.<ref name=bas>{{cite web |url=https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/sites-and-facilities/ship/new-uk-polar-research-vessel/ |title=The next generation of polar research vessel |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=British Antarctic Survey |access-date=6 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509021803/https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/sites-and-facilities/ship/new-uk-polar-research-vessel/ |archive-date=9 May 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The ship replaces a pair of existing vessels, {{ship|RRS|James Clark Ross}} and {{ship|RRS|Ernest Shackleton}}.<ref name=BBC44828136>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44828136 |title=Sir David Attenborough polar ship set for launch |first=Jonathon |last=Amos |work=BBC News |date=14 July 2018 |access-date=14 July 2018}}</ref> The vessel is named after broadcaster and naturalist Sir [[David Attenborough]].

==Background==
In 2014, the [[UK Government]] announced funding for the construction of a new polar research vessel for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) to replace a pair of existing ships.<ref name=bas /> This new ship was intended not only to be fully equipped with the latest instrumentation for the purposes of carrying out research in polar regions, for which it would have an improved [[icebreaker|icebreaking]] capability and greater endurance over the existing polar research vessel, but also to serve as a logistic support vessel for BAS teams in inshore locations.<ref name=bas />

BAS contracted [[Houlder Line|Houlder Ltd]] to undertake the basic design in which suggestions for the final configuration of the new ship were taken. Following the consultation period, in 2015, [[Rolls-Royce Holdings]] was selected to execute the detailed design and [[Cammell Laird]] in [[Birkenhead]] was selected as the preferred bidder to construct the ship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/merseyside-beats-global-competition-to-build-200-million-polar-research-ship|title=Merseyside beats global competition to build £200&nbsp;million polar research ship|work=UK Government|date=12 October 2015|access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref> The ship cost £200m.<ref name=Reuters211020>{{cite news |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-boat-attenborough/britains-new-polar-ship-the-sir-david-attenborough-set-for-sea-trials-idUKKBN2761YG |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021161213/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-boat-attenborough/britains-new-polar-ship-the-sir-david-attenborough-set-for-sea-trials-idUKKBN2761YG |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 October 2020 |title=Britain's new polar ship, the Sir David Attenborough, set for sea trials |publisher=Reuters |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref>

==General characteristics==
The ship is about {{convert|125|m|ft}} long, with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of about {{convert|24|m|ft}}. The [[Draft (hull)|draught]] is about {{convert|7|m|ft}} with a planned cruising speed of {{convert|13|kn}} with a range of {{convert|19000|nmi}} at that speed. She is capable of carrying two [[helicopters]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/sites-and-facilities/facility/rrs-sir-david-attenborough/operational-facilities/|title = Operational facilities - RRS Sir David Attenborough}}</ref> and has a capacity for approximately {{convert|900|m3|cuft}} of cargo. Accommodation is provided for 30 crew and 60 research staff.<ref name=bas />
[[File:RRS Sir David Attenborough moored at Punta Arenas.jpg|left|thumb|''Sir David Attenborough'' in 2024]]
''Sir David Attenborough'' has a twin-shaft hybrid [[diesel-electric]] propulsion system. The vessel's power plant consists of two {{convert|3600|kW|hp|adj=on|abbr=on}} [[straight-six engine|6-cylinder]] [[Bergen Marine|Bergen]] B33:45L6A and two {{convert|5400|kW|hp|adj=on|abbr=on}} [[straight-nine engine|9-cylinder]] Bergen B33:45L9A main diesel generators, a [[Cummins]] KTA38-DM1 {{convert|885|kW|hp|adj=on|abbr=on}} harbour generator,<ref name="Cummins">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cummins.com/case-studies/rrs-sir-david-attenborough|title=RRS Sir David Attenborough}}</ref> and two {{convert|2500|kW|hp|adj=on|abbr=on}} battery systems each of {{convert|500|kWh|MJ|adj=on|abbr=on}} capacity.<ref name="cl_datasheet" /> The power plant, which can run with different configurations depending on the mission and operating conditions, produces electricity to power four {{convert|2750|kW|hp|adj=on|abbr=on}} asynchronous electric motors driving two 5-bladed controllable pitch propellers. This gives ''Sir David Attenborough'' a maximum speed of {{convert|17.5|kn}} in open water and ability to break up to {{convert|1|m|ft|adj=on}} thick level ice at a speed of {{convert|3|kn}}.<ref name=bas /> At an economical cruising speed of {{convert|13|kn}}, she has an operating range of {{convert|19000|nmi}}. For manoeuvring and [[dynamic positioning]], the vessel has four {{convert|1580|kW|hp|adj=on|abbr=on}} Tees White Gill thrusters with Teignbridge Propellers 60 inch 4 blade rotors,{{clarify|date=July 2023}} two in the bow and two in the stern.<ref name="cl_datasheet" />

The vessel has been strengthened according to the [[International Association of Classification Societies]] (IACS) ''Unified Requirements for Polar Class Ships''. Her ice class, [[Polar Class 4]], is intended for year-round operation in thick first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions. However, her propulsion system is only rated for ''Polar Class 5'' which is intended for medium first-year ice.<ref name="cl_datasheet" /><ref name="pc">[http://www.iacs.org.uk/document/public/Publications/Unified_requirements/PDF/UR_I_pdf410.pdf Unified Requirements for Polar Class ships] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620102507/http://www.iacs.org.uk/document/public/Publications/Unified_requirements/PDF/UR_I_pdf410.pdf |date=20 June 2012 }}. International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), April 2016. {{retrieved|access-date=2017-03-11}}</ref>

In 2024, a corner of the ship's IT office was turned into a dedicated "pets' corner" for scientists to put pictures of their pets. This had the effect of boosting the morale of those on board.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-03-31 |title=RRS Sir David Attenborough crew create 'pets' corner' on board |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-68639000 |access-date=2024-04-01 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Construction==
[[File:Launch of RRS Sir David Attenborough 01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left|The hull of RRS ''Sir David Attenborough'' just before her launch]]

The first steel for the construction of the ship was cut in July 2016. The keel-laying ceremony for the ship, [[yard number]] 1390, took place on 17 October 2016.<ref name=BBC37648915>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37648915 |title=Ceremony to mark start of Attenborough polar ship construction |first=Jonathan |last=Amos |date=17 October 2016 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=17 October 2016}}</ref>

The ship was constructed by combining individually fabricated blocks, much like the [[Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier|''Queen Elizabeth''-class aircraft carrier]]s. The majority of the blocks were manufactured by [[Cammell Laird]] at [[Birkenhead]], but due to a tight schedule, the [[stern]] of the ship (named 'Block 10') was fabricated by the [[A&P Group]] at [[Hebburn]] on the [[River Tyne]]. The section was transported to [[Merseyside]] on a [[barge]] in August 2017. The stern section was loaded onto the barge by heavy lifting company [[ALE (company)|ALE]], using [[Self Propelled Modular Trailer|self-propelled modular trailers (SPMT)]]. The same procedure in reverse was then used to get the [[Hull (watercraft)|hull]] segment on to the [[slipway]] at Birkenhead.<ref name=BBC40999836>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40999836 |title=RRS Sir David Attenborough's stern on the move |first=Jonathan |last=Amos |date=21 August 2017 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref> The hull of ''Sir David Attenborough'' was named by her namesake and launched on 14 July 2018. She was moved into a wet dock for the addition of her superstructure and fitting out.<ref name=LE14907916>{{cite web |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/business/live-launch-major-new-ship-14907916 |title=Live: Launch of major new ship the Sir David Attenborough at Cammell Laird |first=Alastair |last=Houghton |publisher=Reach PLC |work=Liverpool Echo |access-date=4 July 2018}}</ref> The ship was originally scheduled to be completed by October 2018.<ref>{{Citation|last=British Antarctic Survey|title=British Antarctic Survey|date=2018-01-04|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKhFnkvNc0I|access-date=2018-01-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ramboll.co.uk/news/ruk/polar-preparations-progress|title=The RRS Sir David Attenborough: Polar preparations progress|work=United Kingdom|access-date=2018-01-24|language=en-US}}</ref> The official naming ceremony took place on 26 September 2019. A bottle of [[champagne]] was smashed across the ship's bow by [[Catherine, Princess of Wales|Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge]], at Cammell Laird's shipyard in Birkenhead. Sir David Attenborough was present at the ceremony.<ref name=BBC49829315>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-49829315 |title=Champagne smash for Sir David Attenborough polar ship |first=Jonathan |last=Amos |location=Birkenhead |publisher=BBC News Online |date=26 September 2019| access-date=27 September 2019}}</ref> [[Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom|Poet Laureate]] [[Simon Armitage]] wrote a poem "Ark" to celebrate the naming ceremony.<ref name="bas-naming">{{cite web |title=Ship is named with royal ceremony |url=https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/ship-is-named-with-royal-ceremony/ |publisher=[[British Antarctic Survey]] |access-date=27 September 2019 |date=26 September 2019}}</ref><ref name="ark">{{cite web |last1=Armitage |first1=Simon |title=Ark |url=https://www.simonarmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/Amended-Ark.pdf |publisher=Simon Armitage |access-date=27 September 2019}}</ref> Attenborough was also present at commissioning, stating "This astonishing ship... will find the science with which to deal with the problems that are facing the world today and will increasingly do so tomorrow."<ref name="Cummins"/>

==Service==
[[File:RRS Sir David Attenborough and City of London - 2021-10-30.jpg|alt=RSS Sir David Attenborough with the City of London in the background|upright=1.5|thumb|RRS ''Sir David Attenborough'' on the [[River Thames]] in [[Greenwich]], London, in October 2021]]
''Sir David Attenborough'' was originally planned to enter service in late 2020, but in January 2020 [[Sky News]] reported that her delivery was at risk of delay, and that BAS planned to keep ''James Clark Ross'' in service for another year past her intended retirement.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.sky.com/story/sir-david-attenborough-research-ship-facing-launch-delay-11907070 |title=Sir David Attenborough research ship facing launch delay |date=12 January 2020 |publisher=Sky News |access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref>  In August, ''Sir David Attenborough'' made a brief trip to the [[Liverpool Cruise Terminal]] before returning to Cammell Laird for final fitting out ahead of sea trials scheduled for late in the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/rss-david-attenborough-crosses-mersey-18719947 |title=RRS David Attenborough crosses the Mersey ahead of departure for Antarctic |website=Liverpool Echo |publisher=Reach plc |date=5 August 2020 |access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref>
''Sir David Attenborough'' began her [[sea trial]]s on 21 October 2020.<ref name=Reuters211020/> On 5 March 2021, an accident during a launching drill of a [[lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]] resulted in injuries to a crew member.<ref name=MAIBcurrent>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315200541/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-accident-investigation-branch-current-investigations/marine-accident-investigation-branch-current-investigations|archive-date=15 March 2021|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-accident-investigation-branch-current-investigations/marine-accident-investigation-branch-current-investigations |title=Current investigations |publisher=Marine Accident Investigation Branch |access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref> She officially made her maiden voyage to Antarctica on 16 November 2021, from Harwich<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/rrs-sir-david-attenborough-makes-maiden-voyage-to-antarctica/|title = RRS Sir David Attenborough makes maiden voyage to Antarctica|date=16 November 2021|website=British Antarctic Survey|access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref> and arrived at the [[Rothera Research Station]] on 17 December 2021 for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/rrs-sir-david-attenborough-arrives-in-antarctica-for-the-first-time/|title=RRS Sir David Attenborough arrives in Antarctica for the first time|date=17 December 2021|website=British Antarctic Survey|access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref>

In February 2022, RRS ''Sir David Attenborough'' encountered second-year ice with thick snow layer on top that she could not overcome on her own while the vessel was attempting to reach [[Stange Sound]] in the [[English Coast]] in Antarctica. The vessel then collaborated with the French icebreaking cruise ship operated by [[Compagnie du Ponant]], ''[[Le Commandant Charcot]]'', which opened a channel for the research vessel. However, as the ice conditions became even more unfavourable, RRS ''Sir David Attenborough'' had to give up the original plan and seek another drop-off point to deliver scientific cargo to support the [[Thwaites Glacier|International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/rrs-sir-david-attenborough-collaborates-with-le-commandant-charcot-in-support-of-science/|title=RRS Sir David Attenborough collaborates with cruise ship|date=11 February 2022|website=British Antarctic Survey|access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref>

In early 2023, ''Sir David Attenborough'' was accused by Argentine authorities as having transited illegally through Argentine national waters to the port of [[Punta Arenas]] in Chile. Argentina specifically objected to the ship's use of facilities in the Falkland Islands prior to her arrival in Chile, utilization which Argentina argued violated its national laws but which Britain did not recognize as valid.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elciudadanoweb.com/tras-incidente-con-buque-ingles-despliegan-aviones-en-base-militar-argentina-cerca-de-malvinas/|title = Tras incidente con buque inglés, despliegan aviones en base militar argentina cerca de Malvinas |website=El Ciudadano|date=17 February 2023}}</ref>

==Naming poll==
{{See also|Boaty McBoatface#Naming}}
{{Infobox multichoice referendum
<!--Percentages calculated from nameourship.nerc.ac.uk/entries.html, showing 374,295 votes total-->
| name = [[Natural Environment Research Council|NERC]] ''Name Our Ship'' campaign, 2016
| location = [[Internet|Online]], predominantly [[United Kingdom]]
| date = March–April 2016
| caption = Top five suggestions
| choice1 = ''Boaty McBoatface''
| percentage1 = 33.16
| choice1_color = red
| choice2 = ''Poppy-Mai''
| percentage2 = 10.66
| choice2_color = red
| choice3 = ''[[Henry Worsley (explorer)|Henry Worsley]]''
| percentage3 = 4.21
| choice3_color = red
| choice4 = {{nowrap|'''''[[David Attenborough]]'''''}}
| percentage4 = 2.95
| choice4_color = green
| choice5 = {{nowrap|''It's Bloody Cold Here''}}
| percentage5 = 2.85
| choice5_color = red
| website = [https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20160702200411/https://nameourship.nerc.ac.uk/entries.html nameourship.nerc.ac.uk]
| notes = Shows top five suggestions<ref name=bbcpoll>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-36064659 |title='Boaty McBoatface' tops public vote as name of polar ship |publisher=BBC News |date=17 April 2016 |access-date=23 July 2017}}</ref> out of 7,034
}}
In March 2016, the [[Natural Environment Research Council]] (NERC) announced that members of the public were being asked to suggest names for the ship. Names previously used would not be eligible, but otherwise it was open to suggestions.<ref name=BBC35825264>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35825264 |title=Name sought for new UK polar ship |first=Jonathan |last=Amos |publisher=BBC News |date=17 March 2016 |access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref> The NERC stated that they would have the final say, and that the most popular name in the poll would not necessarily be the one used.<ref name=BBC35860760>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-35860760 |title=Boaty McBoatface instigator 'sorry' for ship name suggestion |publisher=BBC News |date=21 March 2016 |access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref>

Former [[BBC Radio Jersey]] presenter James Hand<!--do not link, wrong person--> jokingly suggested RRS "''Boaty McBoatface''". This quickly became the most popular choice and was the runaway winner when the poll closed, with 124,109 votes.<ref name=bbcpoll /> The name has been described as a homage to "Hooty McOwlface", an owl named through an "Adopt-A-Bird" programme in 2012 that became popular on the internet.<ref>{{cite news|title=Boaty McBoatface tops poll but will vote be scuppered?|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/boaty-mcboatface-tops-poll-but-will-vote-be-scuppered-mmgddzn9z|work=[[The Times]]|author=Tom Whipple|url-access=limited|quote=Yet the runaway winner was RSS Boaty McBoatface, itself an homage to the owl that was named Hooty McOwlface after a similar exercise.|date=16 April 2016|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=James|first=Hunt|date=24 March 2016|title=7 Times the Public Shouldn't Have Chosen a Name|url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/uk/trivia/40525/7-times-the-public-shouldnt-have-chosen-a-name|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325184837/https://www.mentalfloss.com/uk/trivia/40525/7-times-the-public-shouldnt-have-chosen-a-name|archive-date=25 March 2016|access-date=17 November 2021|website=[[Mental Floss]]}}</ref>

On 6 May 2016, science minister [[Jo Johnson]] announced that the choice had been made to name the ship after naturalist Sir [[David Attenborough]], but that ''[[Boaty McBoatface]]'' would be the name of one of ''David Attenborough''{{'s}} remotely controlled [[submersibles]].<ref name=nerc>{{cite web|url=http://www.nerc.ac.uk/press/releases/2016/18-ship/|title=£200m polar research ship named in honour of Sir David Attenborough|website=NERC|access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/05/06/boatymcboatface-to-live-on-as-yellow-submarine-science-minister/|title='BoatyMcBoatface' to live on as yellow submarine, science minister Jo Johnson announces|first=Sarah|last=Knapton|date=6 May 2016|access-date=1 October 2018|work=The Telegraph}}</ref>

A petition calling for Attenborough himself to change his name to Sir Boaty McBoatface "in the interest of democracy and humour" soon received over 3,800 signatures.<ref name=ITV2016-05-08a>{{Cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/2016-05-08/petition-for-david-attenborough-to-be-renamed-boaty-mcboatface/ |title=Petition for David Attenborough to be renamed 'Boaty McBoatface'|publisher=[[ITV News]]|date=8 May 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|quote=The author, Mr Jackson, wrote: ... "Wouldn’t it be great if Sir David changed his name to Sir Boaty McBoatface in the interest of democracy and humour?".}}</ref>

In response to the poll, the [[Science and Technology Committee (House of Lords)|Science and Technology Committee]], a [[Select committee (United Kingdom)|select committee]] of the [[House of Lords]], announced that they were to review the process by which the ship was named. NERC chief executive [[Duncan Wingham]] and NERC head of communications Julia Maddock faced the committee on 10 May. James Wilsdon, an outreach director at [[Sheffield University]], told MPs that he voted for ''Boaty McBoatface''. Despite the controversy, NERC directors felt that their poll was a successful initiative in that it generated a lot of publicity regarding their organisation and research mission among the lay public.<ref name="wilsdon">{{cite news|last1=Bloom|first1=Dan|title='I voted for Boaty McBoatface' Top scientist stuns MPs with surprise confession|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/i-voted-boaty-mcboatface-top-7938473|access-date=13 May 2016|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=10 May 2016}}</ref>

Other leading choices in the poll were ''Poppy-Mai'', in honour of a toddler with incurable cancer,<ref name="graham">{{cite news |last1=Graham |first1=Chris |title=Poppy-Mai Barnard, whose name came second behind Boaty McBoatface in competition, dies after cancer battle |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/04/poppy-mai-barnard-whose-name-came-second-behind-boaty-mcboatface/ |access-date=27 September 2019 |work=The Telegraph |date=4 May 2016}}</ref> and ''[[Henry Worsley (explorer)|Henry Worsley]]'', for a [[British Army officer]] who died in 2016 while attempting to complete the first solo and unaided crossing of the Antarctic. Spanish internet users from the forum [[ForoCoches]] attempted to hijack the poll by promoting the choice ''[[Blas de Lezo]]'', a [[Spanish Navy]] officer who won the [[Battle of Cartagena de Indias]] against the British in 1741, putting forward his "contribution to British underwater archeology". Many of those supporting the choice made comments which referenced [[Spanish nationalism|Spanish nationalist issues]] such as the English defeat of the [[Spanish Armada]] and the [[Gibraltar]] sovereignty dispute. The choice gained over 38,000 votes before it was removed, with a NERC spokesperson stating that they would "remove or reject any name suggestion that we deem liable to cause offence".<ref>{{cite news |last=Cereceda |first=Rafael |date=31 March 2016 |title=How Spanish trolls tried to sink a British boat competition |url=http://www.euronews.com/2016/03/31/how-spanish-trolls-tried-to-sink-a-british-boat-competition |work=Euronews |access-date=22 April 2018}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of things named after David Attenborough and his works]]
* [[List of Mcface spoofs]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DISPLAYTITLE:RRS ''Sir David Attenborough''}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sir David Attenborough}}
[[Category:David Attenborough]]
[[Category:Icebreakers of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Research vessels of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:British Antarctic Survey]]
[[Category:2018 ships]]
[[Category:Ships built on the River Mersey]]
[[Category:Naming controversies]]

==External links==

*{{Official website|https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/sites-and-facilities/facility/rrs-sir-david-attenborough/}}
*[https://legacy.bas.ac.uk/met/services/ship-pos.html Ship's current position]