A wooden ship, at least 17.4 meters long, has resurfaced from the sands on the coastline of the historic city of Hoi An, in central Vietnam, after strong storm surges caused by Typhoon Fengshen eroded the beach.
The wreck, already identified in 2023 and then covered before it was possible to intervene, is located in a vulnerable area, exposed to climate risks and the action of the tides, factors that require urgent intervention.
According to the Center for Heritage Management and Conservation of Hoi An, as reported by Vietnam News, the structure is built with precious woods, and traces of waterproofing compounds are visible, an element that suggests the hypothesis of a ship designed for long voyages.
Although radiocarbon dating has not yet been completed, preliminary analyzes place the ship between the 14th and 16th centuries, when Hoi An was an important trading hub in Southeast Asia.
The wreck appears to be among the best-preserved remains of ancient ships in East Asia. The local authorities have cordoned off the area, evaluating whether to proceed with the recovery or leave the wreck in situ, awaiting further studies and the possible collaboration of international experts.
