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Bukangi Shark Rescued From Busan Canal After Escapes

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 2:34 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

South Korea Guides Shark

South Korean officials guided the 3-meter female dusky shark Bukangi out of Busan’s canal on Wednesday.
The rescue succeeded after failed attempts on Sept. 29 and Oct. 2.
Rescuers used a floating platform with nets and divers to herd the shark toward the sea.
The canal attracted over 1.6 million visitors during the shark’s month-long stay.
Scientists warned that confinement could cause stress, injury and lack of feeding.

Summary

Coast Guard Reinforces Barrier

Municipal and Coast Guard officials may reinforce the floating barrier to stop further escapes.
Authorities are weighing capturing Bukang-i and moving it directly to open waters.
The operation was declared successful at 6:10 pm local time (0910 GMT) before the shark slipped back.
The shark crossed the barrier again at about 11:05 pm (1405 GMT), per the Korea Herald.

Summary

President Visits Canal

Bukangi’s mascot status drove over 1.6 million visitors, spiking Busan’s tourism revenue.
Mayor Chun Jae-soo said the shark generated publicity that would otherwise cost trillions.
President Lee Jae Myung visited the canal in mid-October, drawing national attention.
The fisheries institute recorded 46 large sharks off the east coast, four times last year’s count.
Scientists linked the shark increase to warming seas and northward migration of subtropical species.

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South Korea Guides Shark

South Korean officials guided the 3-meter female dusky shark Bukangi out of Busan’s canal on Wednesday.
The rescue succeeded after failed attempts on Sept. 29 and Oct. 2.
Rescuers used a floating platform with nets and divers to herd the shark toward the sea.
The canal attracted over 1.6 million visitors during the shark’s month-long stay.
Scientists warned that confinement could cause stress, injury and lack of feeding.

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