Shark nicknamed Bukangi swims back into Busan canal after hours-long rescue effort

A shark nicknamed Bukangi swam back into a canal in the port city of Busan, South Korea, after rescuers spent hours guiding it toward open water on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. The BBC, Reuters and Al Jazeera all report that the shark got past a net or barrier meant to stop its return.

The BBC and Reuters both refer to the shark as female. She had become a popular tourist attraction. Al Jazeera reported 1.6 million visitors, and the BBC put the figure at more than 1.6 million. The reports do not explain how the count was measured.

According to the BBC, the shark is a dusky shark about three metres (10ft) long. Al Jazeera describes it as an endangered species but does not name the species. The BBC says it was first spotted last month. Resident Yoon In-taek said he first saw it on 18 September.

For weeks, rescuers tried without success to move the shark using large nets, according to the BBC. There were two failed attempts before this week. The BBC says Wednesday's operation was livestreamed and lasted more than eight hours. Hundreds of people watched from a park overlooking the canal.

The BBC reported that the shark returned on Thursday morning, 22 October, and was trapped between two layers of nets. Rescuers freed it by removing the outer layer, then reinforced the remaining one. A government official told the BBC on Thursday afternoon that rescuers had concluded their operations to free the shark.

According to the BBC, authorities were concerned because the shark appeared injured and was not eating. Social media videos appear to show it with a bloodied snout. Falling water temperatures could weaken it further, the BBC reported. The reports do not describe a veterinary assessment.

What is disputed

• How it returned: The BBC says it reportedly broke through a barrier installed by authorities. Al Jazeera says it swam under a net. Reuters says it eluded a net, without saying how.
• Where it is now: Reuters and Al Jazeera say it is back in the canal. The BBC says it was freed and is now outside the canal, repeatedly circling back to its mouth. The reports may reflect different points in time.

What each side says

South Korean authorities had reinforced barriers to keep the shark out, according to the BBC. They said it has been swimming further out but keeps circling back. Unnamed experts cited by the BBC said Busan may host more sharks as the sea warms each year.

Local reaction was mixed. The BBC saw two people holding signs protesting the shark's removal. Visitor Cho Hannah, from North Gyeongsang province, called the shark "a rare gift". The BBC quoted her as saying: "This shark has made this canal her home, and we are kicking her out unnecessarily."

Yoon In-taek disagreed. "Now she seems gaunt. I'm worried for her health if she stays," the BBC quoted him as saying. Shin Seungmin said the shark had "brought so much joy to us", but added: "But she should go and live her normal shark life."

Analysis

The episode shows the tension between wildlife welfare and local attachment to an animal that has drawn large crowds. Several questions remain open. The reports do not name the agency running the rescue or describe plans if the shark re-enters the canal now that operations have reportedly concluded. If it stays near the canal mouth, authorities may face renewed pressure to act or to leave it alone. If it moves to open sea, attention may shift to whether warming waters bring more sharks, as unnamed experts suggest. Independent health assessments would help clarify which course carries less risk for the animal.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.