Busan launches rescue operation for canal-trapped shark 'Bukang-i'

Busan launches rescue operation for canal-trapped shark Bukang-i

Busan's maritime authorities initiated a rescue operation on Tuesday to guide a shark named Bukang-i from a canal to the open sea, 12 days after it became trapped in the canal at a waterfront park in southeastern Busan. The Busan Coast Guard, the National Institute of Fisheries Science, and other relevant agencies began preparing for the operation at North Port in Busan, located about 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

After the preparatory work is completed, the police plan to deploy two vessels equipped to spray streams of water to guide the shark out of the park. If this method fails, they will use a custom-made net that fits the width and depth of the artificial waterway to transport the shark to the open sea. Bukang-i has gained significant attention, attracting over 600,000 visitors as of Monday since its discovery on September 18.

Initially, local maritime police and authorities attempted to drive the shark away; however, the animal refused to leave the channel, leading officials to suspend their operations. Due to the lack of feeding activity observed since Bukang-i was first spotted, local authorities decided it was no longer viable to allow the shark to remain in the canal. They held a meeting on Monday to discuss rescue plans.