Vietnam has salvaged hundreds of thousands of antiquities from sunken ships lost in its waters over the last 15 years with the finds sparking interest on the country's deep sea archaeological potential.

A wreck found in the sea off the coastline central province of Quang Nam was containing 240,000 antiques believed to come from northern Hai Duong province dates back to the 14th century. It excited archaeologists about covering new discoveries about the area and its people during the period.

Nearly 200,000 antiques believed to be Chinese in origin, from China's 18th century Quing dynasty were fished up from a wreck in the southernmost province of Ca Mau. In another salvage operation, close to 68,000 pieces, including porcelain dishes, pots and statues, were found at a site off the coast of central coastal Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. They were also believed to be made during the Quing dynasty at some of China's most well known kilns.

However, experts while excited about the finds have warned that Vietnam still lags behind other countries in discovering and preserving sunken ships and needs greater investment into technology and human resources to maximise the significance of the discoveries.  (VNA)