Centuries-old shipwreck exposed on Vietnam beach after storm Kalmaegi

The shipwreck has been recently exposed along the beach of Hoi An Tay Ward in the wake of storm Kalmaegi, which made landfall in the region on November 6.

The remnants of the ancient ship lie off the Thinh My coastal area in the ward, according to the center.

Authorities first discovered traces of the ship in 2023.

Following an initial investigation, the former Quang Nam Provincial People’s Committee approved an emergency excavation plan scheduled for February 2024.

Under a national merging strategy, Quang Nam Province was merged into Da Nang City to form the new Da Nang on July 1.

Throughout 2024, the center worked with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City and the Quang Nam Museum (now Da Nang Museum) to conduct a detailed survey of the site.

Preliminary results revealed that the ship was a large, sturdily built wooden vessel constructed from durable timbers.

A waterproof caulking compound was used to prevent seawater infiltration.

Its robust structure allowed it to be capable of long voyages, possibly for maritime trade or naval operations.

While radiocarbon dating (C14) has yet to yield definitive results, experts noted that the ship was found well inland from the modern shoreline.

Its construction methods, materials, and technical characteristics closely resemble traditional shipwrecks discovered elsewhere in the East Vietnam Sea region.

Based on these similarities, researchers estimated the vessel might date from the 14th to 16th centuries.

After the shipwreck was first uncovered in late 2023, it was soon buried again beneath shifting coastal sands, according to the center.

However, in early November, powerful waves and erosion caused by Kalmaegi, the 13th storm to hit Vietnam’s maritime region this year, once again exposed the wreck.

On Saturday last week, the center conducted a site survey and documented the newly exposed details.

The visible section of the ancient vessel measures over five meters in width and 17.4 meters in length, though parts of the hull remain buried.

Due to the daily tidal fluctuations, the wreck alternates between being exposed and reburied under sand and seawater.

To safeguard the site, the center has implemented temporary protective measures, including fencing off the area, posting warning signs, and coordinating with local residents to monitor and prevent disturbance.

In recent days, the reappearance of the ship has attracted significant public attention.

Many residents and visitors have gathered along the Hoi An coast to catch a glimpse of the mysterious relic.

With the constant movement of the tides, the vessel remains in a fragile state, emerging in the morning only but being submerged again by the afternoon.

On Monday morning, much of the ship was covered by sand.