A 9ft 10in (3m) female shark, nicknamed Bukangi, has been trapped in a canal in Busan, South Korea for over a month, attracting over 1.6 million visitors. South Korean officials have made three attempts to guide the shark back to the open sea, most recently on Wednesday, using a floating platform and nets. The efforts have so far been unsuccessful, with the shark remaining near the mouth of the canal. Busan officials designated Bukangi a city mascot, but concerns have been raised about the shark’s health, as it has not been observed feeding and water temperatures are falling.
Wednesday’s operation involved maneuvering a large floating platform through the canal, with workers using oars to push the shark toward the sea. Despite managing to move the platform approximately 0.6 miles, the shark remained near the structure and netting, refusing to swim out to sea. The shark was first spotted in mid-September and has become a local attraction.
Busan Mayor Chun Jae-soo expressed sadness at the prospect of saying goodbye to Bukangi, stating in a Facebook post, “During Bukangi’s 34 days in North Port, the shark became a friend to the entire country and a symbol of Busan, the nation’s maritime capital. It’s heartbreaking to say goodbye. We will do everything we can until the very end to ensure Bukangi’s safe return to nature.” Experts have noted the shark’s lack of feeding during its time in the canal, raising concerns about its condition as the water cools.
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