Shark still in South Korean canal after two failed rescue attempts

A shark named Bukangi remains in a canal in Busan, South Korea, more than three weeks after people first spotted her. Two attempts to guide her back to sea have failed, and scientists are watching her health as the weather cools.

Bukangi first appeared at North Port Waterfront Park on September 18. Boats, water jets and a large net have so far failed to help her leave the waterway.

Scientists have now confirmed her species. On October 6, South Korea’s National Institute of Fisheries Science identified Bukangi as a female dusky shark, about three metres long.

During the first rescue attempt on September 29, crews used water jets to guide Bukangi towards the sea. She avoided the jets and stayed in the canal.

On October 2, rescuers tried again with a 50-metre net. They stopped after the net caught on the bottom of the waterway. They left the net in place, hoping Bukangi would swim out to sea.

Instead, she swam over the net at high tide the next day and returned to the inner canal. Crews then removed it.

Authorities have paused further rescue attempts while they watch her movements and consider other options. Officials say catching and moving her could also put her at risk.

Researchers are concerned about the cooling water and whether Bukangi is finding enough food. They have not seen her hunting in the canal, but so far she has shown no clear signs of health problems.

Scientists will continue monitoring her and work with Busan authorities if her condition changes.