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Scientists could be sailing around the poles in a laboratory ship named RRS Boaty McBoatface after nearly 16,000 people voted for the new name in an online poll.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has invited people to suggest names for the £200m research vessel, planned for launch in 2019 after construction in Merseyside.

The floating lab, designed to operate in sub-zero temperatures, could have borne the name of famed explorers or scientists, but comical titles have been among the most popular suggestions.

A plan to have it named the RRS Henry Worsley, after the explorer who died trying to cross the Antarctic unaided in January, has recieved about 2,400 votes.

In a statement earlier this week the NERC said: "Shackleton. Endeavour. Falcon. These are just some of the names suggested for the UK's next world-class polar research ship.

"Tonne-for-tonne, the ship - together with NERC's existing two blue water research ships - will provide the UK with the most advanced floating research fleet in the world and will help put the UK at the forefront of ocean research for years to come."

poll loading Should we name new research ship RRS Boaty McBoatface? 0+ VOTES SO FAR YES NO

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The name RRS Boaty Mc Boatface was suggested by Twitter user James Hand. He said: "I’m kind of scared it might actually win."

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Other names suggested for the research vessel, which will study marine life, ocean currents and the marine environment, include RRS ItsBloodyColdHere, RRS Usain Boat and RRS Boatimus Prime.