Busan shark ‘Bukang-i’ rescue operation begins in North Port

Authorities in Busan have launched a multi-agency rescue operation to return a 3.5-meter shark, nicknamed ‘Bukang-i’, to the open sea after it remained trapped in the North Port Waterfront Park artificial waterway for 12 days.

The rescue strategy involves using water pumps from coast guard and fire department vessels to create currents that guide the shark toward the ocean, a method modeled after a 2004 great white shark rescue in the United States. If water jets fail to move the animal, officials plan to deploy custom-made nets to block its path back into the canal and guide it toward the sea.

The shark’s unexpected presence has become a major local phenomenon, drawing over 600,000 visitors to the park and providing a significant economic boost to nearby businesses. In response to public interest, the Busan Metropolitan Government announced plans to appoint ‘Bukang-i’ as an honorary ambassador for the city.

While the shark appears to be in stable health, experts from the National Institute of Fisheries Science warn that prolonged confinement in the narrow, shallow waterway could limit its ability to feed and move, potentially depleting its strength. Some marine biologists also suggest the appearance of subtropical species in these waters may be an indicator of rising sea temperatures due to the climate crisis.