A second attempt to return the shark known as Bukang to the sea was halted about 100 meters from open water on October 2, after a large rescue net became caught on stones and gravel on the bottom of an artificial channel at Busan North Port Waterfront Park.
The joint operation began at about 3:30 p.m. The net, specially made to fit the channel, was 50 meters wide and 6.8 meters deep. A boat pulled it forward while teams on both sides guided it toward the sea beyond the sixth footbridge. The operation followed an earlier attempt that used water cannons and did not succeed.
Although the shark moved past the fifth footbridge, the net repeatedly snagged as the channel became deeper. After roughly two hours, the teams stopped the operation because further movement was not possible. Officials said the rising tide and the natural stones in the channel contributed to the problem, while the net was left secured on both sides of the channel.
- Operation start
- About 3:30 p.m. on October 2
- Rescue net
- 50 meters wide and 6.8 meters deep
- Stopping point
- Approximately 100 meters from open water
- Next step
- Agencies will review whether another operation is needed
The National Institute of Fisheries Science advised waiting to see whether the shark could leave on its own. Busan officials, the coast guard and other agencies plan to discuss whether another rescue attempt is needed. No additional operation has been scheduled. Residents and visitors who watched from the nearby walkways expressed disappointment, while also saying the shark should ultimately be allowed to return to the sea.