Busan to Launch Rescue Operation for Canal-Trapped Shark 'Bukang-I'
Authorities said the 3.5-meter shark drew more than 568,800 visitors and may be guided out with a custom-made net if vessels and pumps fail.
- On Tuesday, Busan maritime authorities suspended a rescue operation to guide Bukang-i, a shark trapped in the North Port Waterfront Park canal, back to the sea after rescuers failed to drive the animal into open waters despite multiple attempts.
- First spotted on September 18, the shark inhabits an artificial waterway only 30m to 60m wide. Experts from the National Institute of Fisheries Science warn that Dusky sharks typically hunt in waters 100m deep, making prolonged confinement in this confined channel unsuitable for the animal.
- With 568,800 visitors recorded since mid-September, Bukang-i has become a local sensation. Busan officials plan to appoint the shark as an honorary city ambassador, following an Instagram poll where 91% of roughly 8,200 respondents supported the proposal.
- Five vessels from the Busan Coast Guard deployed water pumps to create noise and vibrations during the operation. The shark, however, repeatedly swam behind the boats or submerged, successfully evading the rescue effort.
- Officials now plan a second rescue attempt on October 2 using a custom-made net designed to fit the canal's specific dimensions. This new strategy aims to safely guide the marine animal back to the open sea after the water-pump method proved ineffective.
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The port town of Busan invaded by tourists curious to see the 3.5 meters animal (ANSA)
The giant escualo was nicknamed "Bushark" for its unusual stay in the South Korean city.They tried to return it to its habitat, but all operatives failed and declared it "Shafluencer" by collective fascination.
In Busan in South Korea, a large shark has lost its way in the harbour and does not find its way back to the sea. Despite assistance, it now attracts hundreds of thousands of people and receives an honorary title.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Trapped shark draws hundreds of thousands to South Korean port city
The shark, nicknamed Bukang-i, was first spotted in the waters on 18 September
In the South Korean port city of Busan, a shark got lost in an artificial canal. The coast guard tried several times to push him back into the open sea – so far in vain. The animal evaded water jets and swam the boats away.
The authorities decide to wait for him to find his way back to the sea instead of trying to force him
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