The object, believed to be an ancient shipwreck, is found the water area near the coast of Hoi An City’s Cam An ward. (Photo: nld.com) At the proposal of theHoi An People’s Committee, the task has been assigned to the Hoi An Centerfor Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation and Quang Nam Museum.The two are set to carry out necessary procedures for the excavation ofartifacts at the location in accordance with legal regulations.
First spotted on December 26, the wreckage, which had surfaced for over a week, has recently gone back under the sea due to heavy waves, tidal and sand movement.
Before its disappearance, observations indicated multiple dark brown woodenbeams protruding between 10 – 30cm above the sea surface, resembling the shapeof a boat with a pointed end. The boat’s width and length were estimated to beapproximately 3m and 15m, respectively. Speculation among the local community,especially elderly fishermen, suggested that this wreckage might have been anancient merchant ship carrying handicrafts, which succumbed to the seas duringits voyage.
According to Director of thedepartment Nguyen Thanh Hong, to precisely determine the type and age of theartifacts, it is essential to rely on archaeological excavation results.However, current weather conditions are impeding their efforts.
While awaiting authorised agenciesto carry out actions to recover the shipwreck, Hoi An authorities had cordonedoff the area and safeguarded it around the clock. The city wanted to ascertain the age of the object usingcarbon isotope sampling, but persistent high waves and tides kept officials fromcompleting the work./.
VNA
