At a Glance

• A female dusky shark nicknamed Bukangi has become trapped in a canal in Busan, South Korea.

• A rescue operation briefly guided the three-meter shark out before it returned hours later.

• Officials say falling water temperatures and concerns about feeding could threaten the shark’s health.

• The shark has attracted more than 1.7 million visitors, according to Busan authorities.

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Authorities in the South Korean port city of Busan are preparing another attempt to free a dusky shark trapped in a narrow canal after a rescue operation failed to keep the animal in open water.

Key Statements and Focus Area

• Animal Welfare: Officials say returning the shark to open water is important for its safety and health as concerns grow over its prolonged stay in the canal.

• Rescue Challenges: Oceans and Fisheries Ministry official Lee Gwang-seok said dense barriers and the narrow waterway make it unlikely the shark will move farther into the canal.

• Public Attention: Busan authorities say the shark has attracted more than 1.7 million visitors since it was first spotted in September.

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The three-meter-long female shark, known as Bukangi, was guided out of the canal on Wednesday after dozens of workers maneuvered a floating platform to direct it toward open water. However, after spending several hours in nearby waters, the shark swam beneath an outer barrier net and returned to the waterway that night.

It is now trapped between that net and a second barrier about 50 meters from the canal entrance. Rescuers and inspectors are considering how to guide it out, but authorities have not announced when the next attempt will take place. Officials said there were no clear signs that the shark had been feeding regularly during its monthlong stay. Falling water temperatures could also pose health risks.

Wednesday’s operation was the third attempt to free Bukangi. Earlier efforts on September 29 and October 2 involved boats spraying water and nets placed across the canal, but the shark avoided the boats and swam over the barriers.

The shark was first spotted in mid-September near Busan’s North Port. It has since become a local attraction, with hundreds of people gathering to watch Wednesday’s rescue attempt. City officials have even adopted Bukangi as a mascot.

FYI

Dusky sharks are large marine predators found in tropical and temperate waters. They can travel long distances and inhabit coastal and offshore environments, making prolonged confinement in a restricted waterway a concern for their welfare.

Rescuing a large shark from a narrow canal can be difficult because barriers and boats may change its movement without directing it toward a safe exit. Rescue teams must balance efforts to guide the animal into open water with the need to minimize stress and avoid injury.

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