Quang Nam’s Sunken Treasure: Lost and Found, Then Lost Again

via Vietnam Plus, 02 January 2024: A suspected ancient shipwreck that recently emerged from the sea near Hoi An city in Quang Nam province has now vanished, confirmed by Vice Chairman Nguyen Van Lanh. Initially spotted on December 26, the object intrigued locals and authorities alike, with elder fishermen speculating it to be a historic merchant vessel. Despite efforts to protect and study the site, including plans for carbon dating, the wreckage was reburied beneath the sea due to strong waves and high tides. The shipwreck, which showed parts of its wooden structure above the water, has thus remained a mystery.

The official on January 2 revealed that the wreckage, which had surfaced above the water for several days, was buried back beneath the sea due to a substantial amount of sand combined with waves and high tides.

The object was first spotted on December 26 near the coast of the city’s Cam An ward. Local senior fishermen believed that it was a long-lost vessel. The impact of tidal surges and ocean waves caused a portion of the boat to protrude above the water surface.

Before its disappearance, observations indicated multiple dark brown wooden beams protruding between 10 – 30cm above the sea surface, resembling the shape of a boat with a pointed end. The boat’s width and length were estimated to be approximately 3m and 15m, respectively. Speculation among the local community, especially elderly fishermen, suggested that this wreckage might have been an ancient merchant ship carrying handicrafts, which succumbed to the waves during its maritime journey.

Source: Quang Nam: suspected ancient shipwreck vanishes in sea | Society | Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)