An ancient shipwreck estimated to be 400-600 years old has reemerged off the coast of Hoi An, Vietnam, after Typhoon Kalmaegi caused severe coastal erosion. Archaeologists believe this could be an extremely important historical discovery.
This shipwreck was first discovered in 2023 off the coast of Hoi An. The hull measures at least 17.4 meters in length and features a wooden frame that remains nearly intact despite enduring the harsh sea for centuries. However, the ship sank again before authorities could recover it.
Experts have yet to determine the exact age of the shipwreck, but preliminary assessments suggest it was built between the 14th and 16th centuries—a period when Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a thriving regional trade center for silk, pottery, and spices.
Pham Phu Ngoc, director of the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, told AFP on 10 Nov 2024 GMT+7, "We are currently preparing to apply for an emergency excavation permit" following the shipwreck's reappearance after Typhoon Kalmaegi passed last week.
He stated, "The discovery of this ancient ship is clear evidence of Hoi An's important historical role in regional trade," adding that this time more of the hull is visible, "which may provide us with additional information."
A team of experts from the Hoi An Conservation Center, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City, and a local museum surveyed the shipwreck in 2024 and found it was constructed from "highly durable hardwood" reinforced with waterproof materials to seal its joints.
The Hoi An Conservation Center said in an earlier statement, "The ship's structure indicates it was capable of long-distance sea voyages and was likely used for maritime trade or naval operations." They warned that the ancient shipwreck faces "severe deterioration without immediate conservation" due to severe coastal erosion and frequent exposure to harsh weather conditions.
On 10 Nov 2024 GMT+7, the shipwreck remained clearly visible, attracting many visitors who gathered on the beach to view the ship's remarkable structure.
,AFP