Recently, Typhoon “Kalmaegi” passed through Vietnam, causing severe erosion along the coast. This unexpected event led to the reappearance of a sunken ship with several hundred years of history on the beach, providing experts with a brief opportunity to salvage this important underwater cultural heritage site for historical and research value.
According to various media reports, the wooden ship was initially discovered off the coast of Hoi An in 2023. The ship has a sturdy and heavy wooden ribbed hull that has remained almost intact despite enduring hundreds of years of storms. However, before authorities could salvage it, the ship was once again buried by seawater and sand.
In 2024, the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities and local museums, conducted research on this sunken ship.
The report revealed that the sunken ship is of considerable size, possibly exceeding 17.8 meters in length, with around 12 compartments. Its structure is exceptionally robust, made of “durable and high-strength wood” reinforced with waterproof material at its seams, combining traditional shipbuilding techniques from Southeast Asia and China.
While the exact dating results are still pending, based on existing archaeological and material analysis data, experts estimate that the ship was likely constructed between the mid-14th and 16th centuries, during the golden period of Hoi An as a hub for silk, ceramics, and spice trade.
The Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center previously stated, “The structure of this ship’s hull indicates its capability for long-distance navigation, suggesting it may have been used for maritime trade or military purposes.”
Pham Phu Ngoc, the director of the center, mentioned in an interview with Agence France-Presse on Monday (November 10) that the ship resurfaced during the recent passing of Typhoon Kalmaegi through Vietnam last week, stating, “We are preparing to apply for an emergency excavation permit.”
He emphasized, “The presence of this ancient ship demonstrates Hoi An’s significant historical role in regional trade history,” noting that the exposed area of the ship’s hull is larger this time, which “may help us gather more information.”
The Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center stressed that the discovery of this sunken ship holds significant archaeological importance, providing valuable information for studying ancient maritime and trade history in the Hoi An waters and along the Vietnamese coastal areas. Furthermore, this discovery enriches Vietnam’s precious marine cultural heritage, adding to the cultural treasury of Hoi An, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
However, the center also issued a warning that the coastal erosion caused by the typhoon has partially exposed the sunken ship. Without immediate protective measures, the wooden structure may deteriorate rapidly, putting the ship’s remains at risk of “serious damage.”
Currently, the remains of the sunken ship are clearly visible, with its wooden framework winding across the beach, attracting crowds of people to gather at the seaside to witness the spectacular skeletal structure of the ship and capture photographs as mementos.