Centuries-old shipwreck resurfaces off Vietnam's central coast

Le Quoc Viet, deputy chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, said he and several others unexpectedly spotted the exposed frame while walking along Tan Thanh Beach on Saturday afternoon.

The wreck remains in the same location where it first surfaced in late 2023, but the exposed wood has been affected by weather and harsh environmental conditions, Viet told Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper, while sharing the latest photos of the structure.

"The exposed wood is covered with moss, creating an impressive green layer around it. Many people have come to see it and expressed amazement after learning about the history of this ancient ship," Viet said.

The wreck first emerged from the sand at Tan Thanh Beach in December 2023, when the area was part of the former Hoi An City in the former Quang Nam Province.

The site is now in Hoi An Tay Ward, Da Nang, following a nationwide administrative restructuring that took effect on July 1, 2025.

Initial research by authorities determined that the ship dates back to the 14th-16th centuries.

Since then, it has repeatedly emerged from and disappeared beneath the sand.

Nguyen Thu Phuong, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, attributed the delayed excavation to procedural and legal obstacles under the new Law on Cultural Heritage, which took effect on July 1, 2025, alongside administrative reorganization in the area.

Phuong said the project is technically complex, involving multiple stages from archaeological excavation and preservation to the eventual display of the shipwreck's heritage value.

The Da Nang culture department has instructed specialized units to coordinate with authorities in Hoi An Tay Ward to safeguard the site and temporarily preserve the artifacts, she added. 

It is also finalizing an emergency excavation proposal for submission to municipal leaders, aiming to move forward as soon as possible.

"The most important thing is to ensure full compliance with legal regulations and absolute safety for the artifacts," Phuong said.

The department has reported the issue to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to seek professional guidance on resolving the remaining bottlenecks.