Investigation into damage to historic shipwreck off Cornish coast

Devon & Cornwall Police are investigating reports of fishing equipment being illegally placed on the protected wreck of HMS Coronation which appear to have caused damage to the site.

The HMS Coronation was a 90 gun Second Rate Ship of the Line that sank off Penlee (Cornwall) in 1691 during a gale. It is protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, prohibiting any activity in and around the area that could cause damage, obscure or interfere with the site.

The recent investigation found fishing pots placed across the wreck site and the nearby underwater diving trail. 

Rural Affairs police officers are working alongside Historic England’s Maritime archaeologists and heritage crime specialists to continue to investigate the reports.

Work is also taking place across fishing communities in Cornwall and the wider area of Devon to educate and prevent further incidents.

PS Julian Fry from the Rural Affairs team and national lead for Operation Birdie said: “The south west is home to 21 of the UK’s 57 protected wrecks. It’s so important for us, and those out on sea, to play our part in keeping these historic sites safe from any damage.

“We’re urging the fishing community to avoid placing any fishing equipment near the HMS Coronation, and indeed any other protected wreck sites around the UK.

“Whilst we fully support the local fishing industry, preservation of these nationally important heritage sites is essential.”

“We thank the fishing industry in advance for their cooperation.”

Rural Affairs police officers are dedicated to addressing crime faced by rural communities. They work to prevent and respond to issues such as livestock theft, poaching, agricultural machinery theft, and heritage crime, as well as tackling antisocial behaviour in rural areas.

This proactive activity is being carried out as part of Operation Birdie, a national initiative tackling illegal interference of historic wreck sites. It forms part of a broader approach to address different forms of heritage and cultural property crime across communities.

It’s estimated that around 600 sailors lost their lives when the HMS Coronation foundered. It lies in two parts, one inshore and one offshore.

Access to the HMS Coronation is through a licence scheme administered by Historic England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

All protected wreck sites are mapped and highlighted on navigational charts, they are also on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE). The complete entries on the NHLE can be found here: Inshore - CORONATION INSHORE - 1000070 | Historic England Offshore - CORONATION OFFSHORE - 1000069 | Historic England

For more information about heritage and rural crime, visit: What is rural crime? | Devon & Cornwall Police

If you see any activity that is suspicious or doesn’t look right, please report it to the police: Report a crime | Devon & Cornwall Police

Photo of diver at the HMS Coronation site (above). Credit: Coronation Wreck Project