In brief
A 3‑meter female shark has been stranded in a canal west of Busan for a month, drawing crowds and sympathy across South Korea. After two failed attempts by local authorities, rescue crews are launching a third operation using nets to steer the shark back into the open sea. The incident underscores how unusually warm waters can trap large marine animals in confined waterways. Wildlife experts are closely monitoring the effort, hoping this latest attempt will succeed in restoring Bukangi to her natural habitat.
Hundreds of onlookers have gathered in Busan’s Han River canal to watch a 3‑meter (9‑foot 10‑in) female shark, nicknamed Bukangi, trapped in the waterway. The creature first appeared a month ago after being lured into the canal by unusually warm waters and plentiful fish.
Local wildlife authorities have now launched a third rescue attempt, deploying nets to guide Bukangi safely back to the open sea. Rescuers and marine biologists say the operation will depend on the shark’s health and patience of the crowd.
The incident has prompted discussions on how changing ocean temperatures can displace marine life, forcing stories of citizen science and rapid response into the national conversation. Communities around Busan are prepared to help once and again, hoping to ensure the shark’s survival outside the canal.
