The Mystery of the Cẩm An Ancient Boat

After Storm No.13, large amounts of sand were swept away, and this morning—at low tide—the ancient Cẩm An boat (Hội An) emerged more prominently than ever before. First discovered in December 2023, the vessel has puzzled researchers from the start. Why was it buried so deep within the sand dunes when this area has only recently been eroded? Just a few years ago, the shoreline was nearly a kilometer away.

Its age is another mystery. Early examinations revealed iron nails and temperate softwood—unexpected materials that raise even more questions. And now, with most of the hull exposed, the urgency is growing: many wooden planks have softened or begun to crumble. Without immediate conservation measures, this invaluable artifact could suffer irreversible damage. P/s: The boat measures approximately 18m x 5m and is believed to date back to the 14th–16th century.

Photos: Lê Quốc Việt – Văn Tài