AN effort by a Swindon-based research organisation to get the public to name its newest ship has been hijacked by pranksters.

The Natural Research Council (NERC), which is based at Polaris House, announced on Friday it wanted the public to name its new £200 million vessel.

However, after an online campaign the name ‘RRS Boaty McBoatface’ is currently leading the way.

Demand for people trying to vote for the new name has caused the website to crash a number of times over the weekend.

Over names in the frame are 'RRS Usain Boat' and 'RRS Pingu'.

NERC announced the move on Friday with a press release which seemed to put faith in the British public to come up with a sensible name.

It reads: “Shackleton. Endeavour. Falcon. These are just some of the names suggested for the UK's next world-class polar research ship as part of a campaign launched today for the public to put forward names for the state-of-the-art vessel to be built in the North West of England.”

The new ship will hit the seas in 2019 and, combined with the existing fleet, will put the country at the forefront of ocean research.

Alison Robinson, NERC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, said: “We’re delighted by the enthusiasm and creativity people have shown to help the Natural Environment Research Council make sure the new ship has a name as inspirational as she will be when she sets off for the polar seas in 2019.

"We’ve had thousands of suggestions made on the website since we officially launched; many of them reflect the importance of the ship’s scientific role by celebrating great British explorers and scientists.

"Others are more unusual but we’re pleased that people are embracing the idea in a spirit of fun. We have suggested some criteria for the name on our website and the final decision will be made by a panel and announced later this year. We are very much enjoying hearing everyone’s ideas.”

The naming scheme was launched by universities and science minister, Jo Johnson.

He said: "Can you imagine one of the world's biggest research labs travelling to the Antarctic with your suggested name proudly emblazoned on the side?

“The polar research ship represents a leap forward in securing Britain's place as a world leader in marine and climate change science - and illustrates this government's commitment to invest in research facilities on a record scale.

“With the eyes of the world on this ship, this campaign will give everyone across the UK the opportunity to feel part of this exciting project and the untold discoveries it will unearth."

NERC's chief executive, Duncan Wingham, said: "NERC's new ship will help put the UK at the cutting edge of polar research, as part of this extensive polar programme with £200m investment from the government.

“Built in the North West of England, she will help bring an economic boost to the region and to the UK ship building industry.

“Today we are launching our campaign to bring our ship to the UK people, asking for their help to find her a name that encapsulates her role at the forefront of UK science.

"We are excited to hear what the public have to suggest and we really are open to ideas."