Busan, South Korea – The city’s North Port canal has turned into an unexpected tourist hotspot after a massive gray shark, affectionately called Bukangi, became trapped there nearly two weeks ago. The 3.5‑meter (11.5‑foot) shark has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, prompting city officials to treat the situation as both a public‑interest and a wildlife‑conservation effort.
Rapid response from municipal crews
On Tuesday, Busan’s Department of Marine Affairs deployed five vessels to the canal, attempting to herd the shark toward the open sea. Crews sprayed streams of water from onboard tanks, hoping the pressure would guide the animal away from the narrow waterway. Hundreds of onlookers gathered on the canal banks, and the operation was streamed live on YouTube, underscoring the community’s enthusiasm for the unusual visitor.
After several hours, the shark repeatedly swam past or dove beneath the boats, thwarting the initial effort. City official Kim Won‑ho confirmed that a second attempt will be made as early as Friday, emphasizing the importance of the shark’s safety and long‑term health.
Innovative net plan in development
The state‑run National Institute of Fisheries Science is engineering a specially designed net, at least 50 meters (54 yards) long, to be stretched across the canal. The net will channel Bukangi toward the exit, while a second vessel will continue to spray water from behind to encourage forward movement. Kim described the approach as an “adaptation of our response to the situation on site,” reflecting the city’s willingness to adjust tactics as needed.
Tourism surge and community pride
Since counting began on September 19, roughly 600,000 visitors have flocked to the North Port to catch a glimpse of Bukangi, including nearly half a million during the recent Chuseok holiday. Busan Mayor Chun Jae‑soo praised the shark’s impact, stating, “Bukangi has naturally become a new part of Busan’s story with the interest and love of the city’s people.” The mayor’s remarks highlight how the incident has bolstered civic pride and generated economic activity for local vendors.
Health of the shark
Officials have not observed any clear signs of health deterioration while the shark remains trapped. Nonetheless, city leaders stress that releasing the animal into open water remains crucial for its well‑being.
What’s next?
The upcoming rescue attempt will test the newly designed net and water‑spraying strategy. If successful, Bukangi will rejoin the ocean, ending a remarkable chapter in Busan’s recent history. Regardless of the outcome, the city’s coordinated response showcases a blend of community engagement, wildlife stewardship, and innovative problem‑solving that reflects Busan’s resilient spirit.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
