VietNamNet Bridge - Fishermen in the fishing village of Binh Chau in Binh Son District, the central Quang Ngai province have publicly sold antiques collected from the 700 -year-old wreck or display them at home after a long period of hiding.

Quang Ngai: 700-year-old wreck found intact

The 700-year-old wreck in pictures

Antiquities discovered around the 700-year-old wreck

According to the fishermen, they have salvaged more than 500 artifacts from the 700-year-old vessel in Binh Chau waters. "Initially they were afraid that the authorities would confiscate the items so they sold antiques at low prices. When they know the true value of the antiques, they deeply regretted because of losing tens of millions in a short time," a fisherman named Tran Thanh says.

Dr. Doan Ngoc Khoi, Director of Quang Ngai General Museum, says most of the antiques were salvaged by fishermen while fishing. "The state should have a reward mechanism for the people who discover antiques in order to preserve cultural heritage and prevent the lost of antiques," Khoi proposes.

Dr. Khoi says that these plates dated back to the 13th century and the price for the two items is not less than VND60 million ($3,000).

Of the over 4,000 artifacts collected by Quang Ngai authorities from the wreck in June, there is a ceramic plate carved dragon pattern inside. Dr. Khoi says that this dish is a unique item.

This 700 -year-old celadon bowl is sold by Binh Chau fishermen for VND10 million ($500). "Based on the yeast and unique patterns inside the objects, their values will change. If one salvages such a bowl, but with dragon pattern, he will have about VND100 million ($5,000)," says fisherman Nguyen Van Lanh.

Since the day the wreck was discovered, local fishermen have no longer displayed corals or sea snails at home but artifacts in locked glass cabinets.

VNE