Vice Chair of Quang Ngai Province, Mr. Le Quang Thich, has approved the results of the assessment and distribution of artifacts excavated from the 700-year-old shipwreck in Binh Chau. According to the report, nearly 5,000 artifacts were excavated from the wreck, which was discovered last June in the village of Chau Thuan Bien of Binh Chau Commune, Binh Son District in Quang Ngai. These antiques were dated back to the 13th century.
There are 42 exclusive items that will be owned by the State. The remaining nearly 5,000 intact artifacts will be shared under the principle: 2/3 belonging to the excavator (Doan Anh Duong Limited Company) and 1/3 to the state.
The 42 exclusive artifacts include: 7 types of coins, 23 pottery items, 11 metal items and one stone bead with a hole in the middle for passing a strap through.
The rare ancient coins found on the sunken ship
The shipwreck will be preserved in accordance with the recommendations of domestic and international experts at an upcoming seminar.
Mr. Doan Sung, adviser of the excavator, Doan Anh Duong Co. Ltd, says that the company is cooperating with Quang Ngai Province to compile scientific reports as well as a book, and to make a documentary about the excavation of the sunken ship, which is believed to be very rare in the world.
Sung says that Doan Anh Duong Co. will display artifacts at its museum on Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province and at the Museum of Quang Ngai Province.
The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ngai has submitted a plan for exploration of antiques in the broad waters of Binh Chau commune to the provincial government. According to Sung, if the local government allows, his company will conduct exploration and a survey within a radius of 150m from the center of the sunken ship starting in May.
