South Korean City Tries Anew to Rescue Shark That Repeatedly Returns to Canal

Busan, South Korea is once again attempting to free a large dusky shark from a narrow canal. For weeks, workers have been trying to guide the shark, known as Bukangi, back to open water, a process that has proven challenging. On Wednesday, dozens of workers used a floating platform to herd the 3-meter-long (9.8-foot) female shark out of the canal.

However, hours after the initial release, Bukangi swam back into the canal beneath an outer barrier net. The shark is now confined between this net and a second barrier about 50 meters inside the canal's mouth. Busan authorities and South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries are collaborating to devise a new plan for Bukangi's safety and health.

Officials believe Bukangi is unlikely to pass through the densely placed nets and the narrow waterway. The shark has been in the canal since mid-September, and concerns are growing about its health due to declining water temperatures and a lack of regular feeding. No timeline has been provided for the next rescue attempt.

Bukangi, named after Busan's North Port where it was first spotted, had become a significant tourist attraction, drawing an estimated 1.7 million visitors to the canal. Hundreds gathered on Wednesday to observe the rescue efforts.

This marks the third attempt to free the shark. Previous efforts on September 29 and October 2 involved boats spraying water and nets, but Bukangi evaded these measures and swam over the nets.