Operators Royal Navy In commission 1958–1985 Preserved 1 | Built 1958–1959 Completed 3 Type Survey ship | |
The Echo-class was a class of inshore survey vessel built for the British Royal Navy in 1958–1959. The class was designed to operate in close waters such as harbour approaches, shipping lanes, rivers and estuaries. Together, the ships of this class formed the Royal Navy's Inshore Survey Squadron.
The class consisted of three ships, and were of composite (wood on metal frames) construction. They were based on the same basic hull as the Ham class minesweeper and the Ley class minehunter. They had a large superstructure with an open bridge on top. The engines were up-rated to 1,400 bhp and a large superstructure was fitted. They were crewed by 5 officers and 34 ratings, with accommodation on board for 4 officers and 18 rates.
In the late 1960s, two Ham-class minesweepers, HMS Powderham and Yaxham were rebuilt as inshore survey vessels very similar to the Echos, although they could be identified by having an enclosed wheelhouse and a tripod mast. They were renamed HMS Waterwitch and Woodlark, respectively.
All ships were sold out of service in 1985.