River Police Get Fast New Boats From The R.A.F. One of the new Thames River Police craft traveling at high speed during a trial run on the River Thames, London. The first of three new high-speed craft for the Thames River Police has been launched of the River Thames in London. The boats are forty-feet long ex-Roayl Air Force seaplane tenders adapted for their new role. Each is Fitted with two 100-horsepower Diesel engines, and twin screws - giving a speed of twenty-two knots and is equipped with two-way radio and searchlight. March 14, 1947.