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.
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.
While awaiting authorised agencies to carry out actions to recover the shipwreck, Hoi An authorities had cordoned off the area and safeguarded it around the clock to prevent unauthorised salvage operations. The city wanted to ascertain the age of the object using carbon isotope samples, but persistent high waves and tides kept officials from completing the work./.