Live: Launch of major new ship the Sir David Attenborough at

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The RSS Sir David Attenborough polar research ship on the slipway at Cammell Laird



Live: Launch of major new ship the Sir David Attenborough at Cammell Laird

Last year, the Natural Environment Research Council launched a campaign for people to vote on names for the £200m vessel. The name “Boaty McBoatface” topped the poll - but the Government instead decided to name it after Sir David.

A remote-controlled submersible that can be launched from the bigger ship has been named Boaty McBoatface.

Sir David said: “This wonderful new research ship will enable British scientists to continue their crucial work in both the Arctic and Antarctic for decades to come.”

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Sir David Attenborough has launched the 10,000-tonne hull of the UK's newest polar ship - named after him - into the River Mersey.

The broadcaster pushed the button, sending the hull sliding out from the Cammell Laird yard in Birkenhead, into the water where building will continue.


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Last year, the Natural Environment Research Council launched a campaign for people to vote on names for the £200m vessel.

The name “Boaty McBoatface” topped the poll - but the Government instead decided to name it after Sir David.

Boaty McBoatface lives on in the form of a yellow submarine. The National Oceanography Centre in Southampton has three long-range autonomous underwater vehicles. When one of these is out on patrol, it carries the humorous moniker.

The intention is that these Boaty-class subs will frequently operate from the Attenborough. They will be asked to go into places the ship itself cannot reach, such as under the colossal floating ice shelves that surround Antarctica.

The Government got it right this time.

"We are all proud of Sir David Attenborough".

Keith.