South Korea Launches Targeted Rescue to Guide Dusky Shark Back to Sea

Officials in Busan are devising a new strategy to free a large dusky shark from a narrow canal, after the animal was previously herded out only to swim back in within hours.

Authorities from the Busan city government and South Korea’s Oceans and Fisheries Ministry are prioritizing the shark’s safe return to open water, emphasizing its importance for the animal’s wellbeing.

A rescue attempt Wednesday involved dozens of workers using a floating platform to maneuver the 3-meter (9.8-foot) female dusky shark toward the canal exit. Despite lingering in nearby waters for hours, the shark slipped beneath an outer barrier net installed on the platform and reentered the waterway.

Officials report the shark is now trapped between two nets positioned roughly 50 meters (55 yards) into the canal’s entrance, with rescuers debating the best approach to guide it outward as it circles the limited water area.

Lee Gwang-seok of the Oceans and Fisheries Ministry suggested the shark likely cannot navigate past the dense net formation and narrow stretch of canal, which offers minimal space for passage.

Reports indicate the shark has not fed regularly during its month-long presence in the canal, and dropping water temperatures may pose further health risks. Busan officials have not yet announced when a subsequent rescue operation will occur.

Known by the Korean name of Busan’s North Port, where it was first spotted in mid-September, Bukangi has drawn considerable public attention as it circled the canal, its fins breaking the water’s surface.

Designated a city mascot, Bukangi attracted over 1.7 million visitors to the canal, with hundreds gathering Wednesday to witness the unusual rescue effort.

Wednesday’s operation marked the third attempt to release Bukangi, following unsuccessful efforts on September 29 and October 2, which involved boats spraying water streams and placing nets across the waterway.

The shark previously avoided the boats and swam over the installed nets.

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