Bukangi Shark Returns to South Korea Canal

A celebrity shark in South Korea has returned to a canal in Busan just a day after rescuers spent more than eight hours guiding her towards the open sea. Authorities have reinforced barriers to prevent her from swimming back into the narrow waterway.

Shark Evades Rescue Efforts

The dusky shark, nicknamed Bukangi, became an unlikely sensation after being spotted in a canal in the south-eastern port city of Busan in September.

Rescue teams had made several attempts to guide the approximately three-metre-long animal back to the sea, using nets and other equipment to direct her towards open water.

During a livestreamed operation on Wednesday, rescuers spent more than eight hours carefully guiding Bukangi through the canal towards its exit. Hundreds of people gathered at a nearby park, cheering and waving goodbye as the operation unfolded.

However, the apparent success was short-lived.

Bukangi Swims Back Into Canal

On Thursday morning, Bukangi was reportedly spotted back inside the canal after passing through a barrier installed by authorities to prevent her return.

The shark became trapped for a period between two layers of nets in a narrow section of the waterway. Rescuers freed her by removing the outer layer and subsequently reinforced the remaining barrier.

Authorities said Bukangi had been swimming further towards the exit but continued circling back towards the canal. Officials later confirmed that their rescue operations had concluded, although the shark had not made a lasting return to the open sea.

Concerns About Shark’s Health

Bukangi’s prolonged stay in the canal has raised concerns about her welfare. Authorities had previously expressed fears that the animal appeared injured and was not eating.

Videos circulated on social media showed what appeared to be blood around her snout, prompting further concern about her condition.

Falling water temperatures have also worried experts, who fear the changing conditions could affect the shark if she remains in the canal for much longer.

Before Wednesday’s operation, two earlier attempts to guide Bukangi towards the sea had failed.

Unexpected Tourism Attraction

Despite the concerns surrounding her welfare, Bukangi has attracted enormous public interest. More than 1.6 million people reportedly visited the area to catch a glimpse of the shark during her time in the canal.

Her popularity provided a boost to tourism in Busan, with the city embracing her as an unofficial mascot.

Crowds gathered along the waterfront to watch her movements, while videos of her swimming through the canal spread widely online.

The shark’s unusual presence has turned a rescue operation into a major public spectacle, with many visitors following updates about her efforts to return to the sea.

Warmer Waters May Explain Appearance

Experts believe Bukangi may have entered the canal while following fish attracted to the area. Unusually warm waters may also have contributed to her presence near the South Korean coastline.

Scientists have warned that rising sea temperatures could lead to more shark sightings around Busan in the future.

For now, authorities face the challenge of ensuring Bukangi’s safety while avoiding further distress through repeated rescue attempts. Her repeated returns to the canal have complicated efforts to guide her back to her natural habitat.