International newspapers simultaneously reported that a centuries-old shipwreck had appeared in Hoi An.

Severe coastal erosion caused by Storm Kalmaegi has exposed the skeleton of a centuries-old wooden merchant shipwreck off Tan Thanh beach in Hoi An .

In recent days, many prestigious international media agencies such as CNN, AFP, Reuters ... simultaneously reported on the centuries-old shipwreck that surfaced on Hoi An beach after storm No. 13 (Kalmaegi).

Coastal erosion caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi has exposed the skeleton of a centuries-old sunken merchant ship off Tan Thanh beach in Hoi An, Reuters reported.

On November 12, the shipwreck was partially buried under sand, forcing experts to quickly plan an emergency excavation.

Meanwhile, AFP quoted experts as saying that the exact date has not been determined, but initial findings show that the ship was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. This was the time when Hoi An was a bustling trading center of the region, trading silk, ceramics and spices.

"We are preparing documents to apply for an emergency excavation permit," Pham Phu Ngoc, director of the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation, told AFP news agency.

According to Mr. Ngoc, the discovery of this ancient ship is clear evidence of Hoi An’s important historical role in the regional trade network. This time, more of the shipwreck is exposed, which can provide more information.

Close-up of an ancient shipwreck discovered in Hoi An after storm No. 13, November 8. Photo: Le Quoc Viet.

A team of experts from the Hoi An Conservation Center, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the local museum surveyed the wreck last year.

In addition to the estimated age, they found that the ship was made of "durable and highly resistant wood", with joints reinforced with waterproof material to seal them.

"The ship's structure shows it is capable of long-distance voyages, most likely serving the purpose of maritime trade or naval operations," Hoi An Center said in an earlier statement.

The center warned that the artifact is facing the risk of "serious degradation if no immediate conservation measures are taken", amid heavy coastal erosion and the wreck being frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions, AFP stressed.

Locals and tourists gather around an ancient shipwreck in Hoi An on November 8. Photo: Le Quoc Viet.

Previously, speaking with Tri Thuc - Znews , Mr. Le Quoc Viet, Chairman of the Quang Destination Club, said the ship is about 17.8 m long; the widest part of the body is 4.84 m; has 17 compartments, a wide body and a round shape like a Chinese "junk" ship. This is a typical structure that helps increase stability when carrying goods and prevents sinking if 1-2 compartments are punctured.

According to Mr. Viet, through initial assessments, the ship was built with 3 types of wood: kien kien, xang le (lagerstroemia) and temperate pine. The ribs were thick, joined with wooden mortises and reinforced with wrought iron nails at a 45-degree angle, a popular technique in Vietnam and China in the 16th-18th centuries.

In terms of shape, the hull and bow are curved, the bottom is not flat, suitable for ships going far out to sea. This shows that this is most likely not a local fishing boat but a medium-sized transport or commercial ship, using offshore wave-resistant shipbuilding techniques.

Some researchers have hypothesized that it could be a Japanese warship of the Sekibune type, but there is currently not enough evidence to confirm this.

Source: https://znews.vn/bao-quoc-te-dong-loat-dua-tin-xac-tau-co-hang-the-ky-lo-dien-o-hoi-an-post1603031.html