Home / Environment / Shark Trapped in Busan Canal Becomes Unlikely Tourist Star
Shark Trapped in Busan Canal Becomes Unlikely Tourist Star
29 Sep
Summary
- A 3.5-meter shark is trapped in a Busan city canal, drawing huge crowds.
- Over 600,000 visitors have seen the shark, nicknamed Bukang-i.
- Rescue efforts are ongoing, inspired by a 2004 great white rescue.
A sizable 3.5-meter shark has been drawing massive crowds after becoming trapped in a narrow city canal in Busan, South Korea, for over a week. Nicknamed Bukang-i, the shark was first spotted on September 18 in a waterfront park canal.
More than 600,000 visitors have visited the port city to catch a glimpse of the animal. Experts suggest it is a bronze whaler shark that entered the canal from the sea and could not find its way out.
Initial rescue attempts by the coastguard were suspended on advice from scientists concerned about harming the animal. A subsequent effort on Tuesday morning involved using water jets to guide the shark towards the canal's mouth, a method inspired by a 2004 great white shark rescue off Massachusetts.
Despite rescue efforts, the shark remains in the canal, with officials noting its restricted ability to feed and move. This situation has led to the shark being named an honorary publicity ambassador by the city, earning the title "Shafluencer."
