HOI AN, VIETNAM – A 17-meter wooden ship dating back up to 600 years was uncovered on Hoi An’s central coast after Typhoon Kalmaegi’s destructive landfall last week.
Archaeologists from Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City confirmed on 9 November 2025 that intense waves from the category-level typhoon Kalmaegi stripped away layers of sand, revealing the long-buried structure. The discovery site lies along the central beach of Hoi An, about 30 kilometers south of Da Nang.
Archaeologists push for emergency salvage
Experts who inspected the shipwreck said the wooden hull and waterproof sealing indicated long-distance sea travel. Local authorities noted that similar remains had briefly surfaced in 2023 before being reclaimed by rising tides.
“We want to secure and excavate the wreck as quickly as possible.”
said Pham Phu Ngoc, Director of the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Officials are now seeking a special state permit to begin recovery before further storms shift the sand again. A photo released on 9 November showed the timber frame still partially submerged.
Historic port city with global ties
During the 14th to 16th centuries, Hoi An served as a key maritime hub connecting Vietnam to East Asian trade routes, exporting silk, ceramics, and spices. Its old town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
Researchers said the ship’s recovery could reveal new insights into construction methods and maritime commerce between Vietnam and neighboring regions centuries ago.
Typhoon Kalmaegi’s devastating toll
As salvage teams prepare for excavation, Vietnamese authorities are addressing widespread storm damage. Typhoon Kalmaegi affected both Vietnam and the Philippines, leaving heavy casualties:
• 5 deaths reported in Vietnam
• Over 200 deaths in the Philippines
• Entire provinces still flooded
Meteorological agencies warn that another tropical storm is now moving across the Philippines, with renewed alerts for flash floods and coastal surges.
Protecting a fragile legacy
Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture stressed that safeguarding the Hoi An wreck during excavation remains a top priority. Specialists believe careful preservation could open “a rare window” into Southeast Asia’s maritime past, turning the storm’s destruction into a moment of historical discovery.