Boaty McBoatface wins poll of name for U.K. Antarctic research ship

Boaty McBoatface has topped an online poll to name theU.K.'s newest polar research vessel, beating entries that honouredscientists and explorers.

Britain's Natural Environment Research Council had asked for helpfinding a name that would reflect the $385million ship's mission and celebrate British naval history.

• Boaty McBoatface could be the name of U.K. Antarctic research ship

The council asked for inspirational entries about environmentaland polar science. But in the contest ending Saturday, BoatyMcBoatface won with 124,109 votesmore than three times itsclosest contender.

The vote was advisory and the final name will bedecided by the council.

Former BBC radio host James Hand, who proposed the winning entry,has apologized for the controversy, though he still thinks it's a"brilliant name."

He voted to name the ship after naturalist andbroadcaster David Attenborough.