HMS Coronation was a 90-gun second-rate ship of the line constructed for the English Royal Navy. Built at Portsmouth Dockyard as part of the 1677 '30 great ships programme,' she was launched in 1685. As a second-rate vessel, Coronation was designed to carry a substantial armament, although specific dimensions and tonnage are not provided in the available source. The ship served during a pivotal period in naval warfare and was commissioned on 14 February 1690 under Captain John Munden. She served as the flagship of Vice-Admiral Sir Ralph Delavall and participated in the Battle of Beachy Head against the French on 30 June 1690. The battle resulted in a French victory, temporarily giving them control of the English Channel. In October 1690, command of Coronation transferred to Captain Charles Skelton. The vessel's service was cut short when, on 3 September 1691, she was patrolling the English Channel with the fleet. During a south-east gale, she is believed to have dragged her anchors while seeking shelter in the lee of Rame Head. The ship was driven aground in Lady Cove, near Penlee Point, leading to a catastrophic loss of life—approximately 600 men drowned, including Captain Skelton, with only around twenty survivors. The wreck of HMS Coronation was partially discovered in 1967 near the shore and further offshore in 1977. The site is recognized as a Protected Wreck under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 and is managed by Historic England. The wreck is spread over a large area, extending over 1300 meters southwest from Penlee Point, with artifacts dispersed across the seabed. Due to strong tidal currents, especially during spring tides, access to the site is regulated, and diving requires a license. The wreck remains a significant maritime archaeological site, symbolizing the naval history of the period and the perils faced by ships of the line during the late 17th century.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.