VI
EN
Recent heavy rains and floods, believed to be caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, have inadvertently "uncovered" a priceless maritime archaeological artifact – a wooden shipwreck suspected to be ancient – at Tan Thanh beach (Hoi An Tay ward, Da Nang city, bordering Hoi An). This discovery immediately attracted the attention of local residents and scientists.
On the morning of November 8th, Tan Thanh beach became bustling with hundreds of local people flocking to witness this historic phenomenon. Compared to the first time the ship surfaced on the morning of December 26th, 2023, this time, the shape, size, and structural framework of the ship were much clearer and more complete. The phenomenon of the ship rising and then disappearing again under the waves, lasting nearly half a year, has created a fascinating and mysterious story.
Ancient wooden boats on Hoi An beach unexpectedly reappear after Typhoon Kalmaegi.
In late 2023, despite the ship's location being close to the coast, about 400 meters from the former Cam An Ward People's Committee, authorities, including the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, quickly approached the site to protect and verify its contents. However, all research and excavation plans were temporarily halted when the tide and sand buried the ship again, causing the artifact to be forgotten.
Compared to observations in 2023, the shape and size of this ship emerging from the sand are much clearer.
The historical value of the ship was confirmed by an initial research report published in 2024. This report was the result of a collaboration between the Hoi An Heritage Conservation Center and leading experts from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City).
The ship unexpectedly reappeared almost intact in the early morning of November 8th, with the clearest visibility between 5 and 7 a.m. After the tide rises, the ship will be difficult to see due to large waves.
According to research findings, this is a large wooden shipwreck with a remarkably robust structure. Most noteworthy is its construction technique: it is a unique combination of traditional Southeast Asian and Chinese shipbuilding styles, evidence of a vibrant period of maritime trade before the arrival of the West.
The Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center and relevant authorities have also received the information to determine how to protect the site and conduct verification.
In terms of materials, the ship was constructed from high-quality woods: Lagerstroemia and Shorea wood harvested in Southeast Asia, combined with pine from China. The ship also used a special sealant to prevent seawater penetration, demonstrating the sophisticated maritime engineering of the time. These structural features, including an estimated length of over 17.8 meters and approximately 12 compartments, allowed the ship to undertake long voyages, serving not only commercial purposes but also potentially participating in naval warfare.
The wooden frame, wrapped around the hull, rises above the sand, forming a shape that encloses the ship's body.
Although an absolute dating is not yet available, strong archaeological evidence suggests that the ship most likely dates from the mid-to-late 14th to the 16th centuries – the peak period of the Hoi An trading port.
The ship was constructed from Lagerstroemia and Pterocarpus wood from Southeast Asia and pine wood from China, using a sealant around the ship to prevent seawater from penetrating.
What particularly interests international archaeologists is the ship's state of preservation. Experts believe it could be a "treasure shipwreck" because it was discovered in a nearly intact state. The investigation report affirms: "The existence of this shipwreck is not only evidence of a vibrant maritime history before contact with Western maritime trade, but also an extremely rare 'treasure' shipwreck that remains the most intact to date in Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and East Asia."
Currently, the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center and relevant authorities have received the information and are taking steps to protect the site, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive excavation and research plan, aiming to maximize the unparalleled historical value of this legendary ship.
