Rescue Attempts Fail as 3.5‑Metre Shark Stays Put in Korean Canal

Rescuers in Busan have been stymied by a stubborn great white that refuses to leave a man‑made canal. The animal, known locally as Bukangi, was first sighted on September 18 and has since become a rescue challenge and a tourist magnet.

Two separate operations were launched. The initial effort relied on strong water flow and five boats to shepherd the shark downstream. After hours of pushing, the predator repeatedly broke away, forcing the team to abandon the attempt.

The second strategy involved a massive net intended to guide the shark into an artificial channel leading to the open sea. The net quickly lodged on the canal floor, and after a two‑hour attempt the team withdrew. Unexpectedly, the shark slipped through the net the next day and returned to its original position, leaving officials to rethink their approach.