Boaty McBoatface? Naming contest for $300M research ship doesn't go as planned

LONDON -- Some wild names are in the lead of a naming contest for a new state-of-the-art research ship. The organization behind the contest hoped people would come up with something inspirational to name their new $300 million research vessel.

The Natural Environment Research Council's ship is designed to carry scientists to the Arctic and Antarctica.

The top name so far is "Boaty McBoatface." The name was trending Sunday morning. Other popular suggestions are "Usain Boat," "Ice Ice Baby" and "Boatimus Prime." NERC will make the final decision.

You can vote on their website here.

Spokeswoman Alison Robinson said Monday the council is "pleased that people are embracing the idea in a spirit of fun."

The boat will launched in three years as a significant advance to Britain's scientific fleet.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.