Typhoon Kalmaegi's coastal erosion briefly exposed a well‑preserved, centuries‑old shipwreck off Hoi An, Vietnam. The 17.4‑metre (57‑ft) wood‑ribbed vessel, first seen in 2023, likely dates from the 14th–16th centuries when Hoi An was a key trade hub. Local heritage authorities are preparing an emergency excavation permit as more of the hull is revealed, but experts warn the wreck is at risk of rapid deterioration without immediate conservation.
Typhoon Reveals Well-Preserved Centuries‑Old Shipwreck off Hoi An — Urgent Salvage Under Consideration
Typhoon Kalmaegi's coastal erosion briefly exposed a well‑preserved, centuries‑old shipwreck off Hoi An, Vietnam. The 17.4‑metre (57‑ft) wood‑ribbed vessel, first seen in 2023, likely dates from the 14th–16th centuries when Hoi An was a key trade hub. Local heritage authorities are preparing an emergency excavation permit as more of the hull is revealed, but experts warn the wreck is at risk of rapid deterioration without immediate conservation.
12:24 PM, 11/10/2025Culture
Centuries‑old shipwreck briefly exposed after Typhoon Kalmaegi
Severe coastal erosion following Typhoon Kalmaegi has uncovered a remarkably intact shipwreck off the coast of Hoi An, Vietnam, offering a narrow window for emergency recovery and conservation.
The vessel, at least 17.4 metres (57 feet) long, was first spotted in 2023 but was later resubmerged. The storm stripped away more sand and revealed additional sections of the heavy, wood‑ribbed hull that appear to have survived centuries of exposure in unusually good condition.
Preliminary analysis by a joint team from the Hoi An Center for the Preservation of World Cultural Heritage, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City and a local museum suggests the ship was built between the 14th and 16th centuries — a period when UNESCO‑listed Hoi An was a major hub for regional trade in silk, ceramics and spices.
"We are currently preparing to apply for an emergency excavation (permit)," said Pham Phu Ngoc, director of the Hoi An preservation centre, after the wreck reappeared following the typhoon.
Investigators report the hull was constructed from "durable and high‑strength timber" and sealed with waterproofing materials at its joints. The ship's build suggests it was capable of long voyages and likely served in maritime trade — and possibly in naval operations.
Experts warn the wreck is highly vulnerable: ongoing coastal erosion, repeated exposure to severe weather and saltwater can cause rapid deterioration. Authorities are racing to secure an emergency excavation permit and mobilize conservation resources while the wreck remains accessible.
The site has drawn local residents and visitors to the beach to view the ship's striking skeletal frame, raising both public interest and concerns about potential disturbance or looting before protective measures can be implemented.
What happens next: If permitted, archaeologists and conservation teams will document and stabilize exposed timbers, recover artefacts, and conduct scientific dating to clarify the vessel's origin and role in regional maritime history. The find could provide valuable new evidence about trade routes and shipbuilding techniques during Hoi An's heyday.