The E class lifeboat was introduced in 2002 and is the fastest lifeboat in the RNLI fleet. It is a fast response craft, developed for use with waterjets, and is used at three stations on the River Thames. The E class can operate in both daylight and darkness and has an assisted righting capacity similar to the B class.
| Category | Inshore |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 2002 |
| Length | 9m |
| Range | 4 hours at maximum speed |
| Speed | 40 knots |
| Weight | 3.5 tonnes |
| Crew | 3 |
| Construction | Aluminium alloy with closed cell polythene foam collar |
| Launch type | Moored afloat |