A yellow submarine dubbed Boaty McBoatface has obtained "unprecedented data" from its first voyage exploring one of the deepest and coldest ocean regions on Earth, say scientists.

The robotic submersible was given the name originally chosen last year for a new polar research ship by irreverent contestants in a public competition.

Embarrassed officials decided to ignore the popular vote and instead named the vessel the RRS Sir David Attenborough in honour of the veteran broadcaster.