A powerful typhoon has unearthed an ancient shipwreck off Vietnam’s coast for the second time, prompting urgent calls for emergency excavation to preserve the centuries-old vessel now exposed to rapid deterioration.
Typhoon Kalmaegi caused severe coastal erosion near Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, revealing the roughly 400-600-year-old vessel that had previously sunk after its initial discovery.
Pham Phu Ngoc, Director of the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, stated on November 10 that authorities are “currently preparing to apply for an emergency excavation permit.” The wreck re-emerged last week following the typhoon.
The exposed ancient wreck faces “severe deterioration without immediate conservation” due to ongoing coastal erosion and frequent exposure to harsh weather conditions.
First discovered in 2023, the ship measures at least 17.4 meters long and features an almost intact wooden rib structure. It submerged again before recovery efforts could be finalized.
Experts estimate the vessel was constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries. During this period, Hoi An was a thriving regional hub for trade in silk, ceramics, and spices.
Ngoc highlighted that the discovery offers “clear evidence of Hoi An’s important historical role in regional trade.” He added that more of the ship is visible this time, “which may give us more information.”
A team from the Hoi An Conservation Center, Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and a local museum surveyed the wreck in 2024. They found it was built from “highly durable hardwood” and reinforced with waterproofing materials.
The ship’s structure suggests it was capable of long-distance sea travel, likely used for “maritime trade or naval operations,” according to a previous statement from the Hoi An Conservation Center.
On November 10, the wreck remained clearly visible, attracting numerous onlookers to the beach to observe its impressive structure.