Between March 17 and April 16 of this year, Britain's Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) asked the public for help finding a name for its forthcoming polar-research vessel. The ship, which will be outfitted with the latest technology and will cost more than $284 million, is expected to launch in 2019.

In its search for the ship's name, the NERC hoped for a name that would reflect the ship's mission and perhaps honor Britain's storied maritime heritage. As names were submitted, people were asked to vote for their favorites.

And the name that overwhelmingly won the popular vote from among the 7,034 total entries? Boaty McBoatface.

The man who entered the name Boaty McBoatface, former BBC radio host James Hand, has "apologized profusely" for his joke run amok. Hand says he actually voted to name the ship after naturalist David Attenborough.

For its part, the Natural Environment Research Council has said the popular vote was advisory and that the ship's name will ultimately be decided by the council. But with all this nautical talk, it got us thinking how there are a lot of songs that reference boats and ships.

So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that mention ships, boats or other seafaring vessels or themes? Send us your requests.

Songs Performed

Ship of Fools - World Party
Rock the Boat - The Hughes Corporation
Six Months in a Leaky Boat - Splitz Enz
The Way You Name Your Ship - Gogol Bordello
Proud Mary - Ike and Tina Turner
Brandy - Looking Glass

Do you deserve a Coffee Break? We at The Current's Morning Show think you do, and we want to bring coffee and treats from Black Coffee and Waffle Bar to your workplace. Let us know why you'd like a Coffee Break - or request your own idea for a future topic.

Related

• Natural Environment Research Council
• Meet The U.K.'s Cutting-Edge Research Vessel ... Boaty McBoatface? (NPR)