Shark Becomes Star Attraction in Busan’s Canal

A bronze whaler shark has unexpectedly captured the attention of tourists after becoming stuck in a narrow canal in the city of Busan, South Korea, for over a week. Since its sighting on September 18, this 3.5-meter-long shark, affectionately named Bukang-i, has drawn more than 600,000 visitors to the waterfront park.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Experts believe Bukang-i strayed from the sea into the canal while pursuing prey and was unable to find its way back. On the day of its discovery, local coastguards attempted to guide the shark back to open waters but halted the operation after six hours. Scientists cautioned that forcing the shark could lead to harm or aggression.

Recently, coastguard boats employed jets of water to nudge the shark towards the mouth of the canal, inspired by a similar rescue of a great white shark in Massachusetts in 2004. Unfortunately, the first attempt proved unsuccessful as Bukang-i swam back into the canal.

The National Institute of Fisheries Science assessed the shark’s condition and affirmed it was stable, although its ability to feed and navigate freely was compromised. By late Tuesday afternoon, the rescue efforts were suspended once more as the shark remained in the waterway.

Shark Sightings on the Rise

Sharks aren’t a rarity in South Korean waters. Data from the fisheries institute indicated there were 46 large shark sightings off the east coast in the first half of the year, nearly quadrupling the previous year’s numbers. Researchers attribute this rise to warmer sea temperatures and an abundance of prey fish.

The North Port Waterfront Park typically attracts around 2,000 visitors on busy holidays, but during the shark’s visit, it recorded an astounding 607,000 entries from September 19 to 28, according to local authorities.

A Fond Farewell

As it became evident that Bukang-i would eventually need to leave the canal, visitors like 62-year-old Kim Jung-sook came to bid farewell to the shark. “I’ve grown attached to it after seeing it here for a few days… I feel a bit sad,” she shared with a local newspaper.

Busan’s mayor, Chun Jae-soo, lauded the shark’s popularity, stating, “It really has star quality. It comes up every five to 10 minutes. It’s just so pretty.” In a lighthearted move, the city designated Bukang-i as an honorary ambassador, dubbing it “Shafluencer,” following an Instagram poll where 91% of respondents supported the idea. The city’s mascot, Boogi, will accept the certificate on behalf of the shark.

Young visitors, like eight-year-old Lee Do-yoon, expressed optimism about the shark’s return to the sea, stating, “It’s OK. Bukang-i is going to meet its friends.”

Conclusion

As rescue efforts continue and more visitors flock to see Bukang-i, the shark has undoubtedly left a mark on the city of Busan, reminding residents and tourists alike of the wonders of marine life.