Da Nang organizes a seminar to discuss solutions for salvaging and preserving ancient ships in Hoi An.

Da Nang will hold a seminar to find solutions to salvage and preserve the shipwreck discovered in Hoi An. Photo: Quy Dung

The seminar is chaired by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Hoi An Cultural Heritage Management and Conservation Center with the participation of many conservation experts, archaeologists and experienced staff in the management and conservation of cultural heritages in Hoi An and Da Nang. The delegates will conduct a field survey before the seminar in Hoi An.

After the flood, then storm No. 13 caused big waves, at Tan Thanh beach, Hoi An, the wreck of a wooden ship appeared. This is also the wreck of an ancient ship that was "exposed" due to coastal erosion at the end of 2023. The authorities of Hoi An Tay ward and experts from the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Conservation were present, surveyed, measured, and protected the scene. At the same time, they propagated and disseminated legal regulations on the protection of underwater cultural heritage so that people could join hands in preserving it.

However, like the previous discovery, the sand has gradually covered the wreck of this ancient ship.

It is feared that if not promptly excavated and salvaged for preservation, the wreck of this ancient ship will be damaged after being exposed many times and then buried again by waves and sand after each stormy season. Photo: Quy Dung

However, every day there are many citizens, tourists, and curious people coming to see. Many opinions suggest that the cultural sector needs to take specific and quick actions to protect this special relic.

Since the previous discovery - in 2023, the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Conservation and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City, have surveyed and given initial research results: The ship was elaborately crafted, with large wooden bars and bolts, attached with iron nails, round holes through the body, sturdy structure, good wood quality, and quite intact preservation. This area also discovered many pieces of Chinese blue and white porcelain dating from the 17th - 18th centuries. In conclusion, it is likely that this is a foreign ship that sank during its journey through the Cua Dai sea area.

The appearance of the ancient shipwreck dating back hundreds of years is a vivid proof of an open port town of Hoi An that was formed and flourished from the 15th to 17th centuries. This discovery is still a gift that the past sent to Hoi An. If it is soon salvaged, preserved and displayed, it will not only "enrich" the materials and artifacts for the museum, attract tourists, but also be a vivid, visual historical lesson for the young generation about the port town of Hoi An, about the land associated with a historical period of our country.

AN THUONG

Source: https://laodong.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/da-nang-to-chuc-toa-dam-ban-giai-phap-truc-vot-bao-ton-tau-co-o-hoi-an-1611547.ldo