OMM Newsroom
An endangered dusky shark that had been trapped for more than a month in a canal in the southeastern South Korean port city of Busan returned hours after authorities guided it out to sea, Anadolu Agency reported, citing local media.
The female shark, nicknamed Bukang-i, was seen Thursday morning near the entrance to the canal at Busan’s North Port Waterfront Park after crossing a floating barrier late Wednesday, according to The Korea Herald.
It was the second time the shark had passed barriers after rescue attempts. Authorities declared Wednesday’s operation successful at about 6.10 pm local time (0910 GMT), but the shark was seen crossing the barrier again at around 11.05 pm (1405 GMT).
Officials are considering reinforcing the barriers or capturing the shark and transporting it to open waters.
The shark’s repeated returns have puzzled authorities, who are concerned about its deteriorating health and falling water temperatures.
The National Institute of Fisheries Science has not observed Bukang-i feeding. Apparent injuries and footage showing the shark striking a canal wall have added to concerns.
First spotted on Sept. 18, the shark has become a local attraction, drawing more than 1.6 million visitors as of Sunday, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Previous rescue attempts on Sept. 29 and Oct. 2 failed. Authorities fear the shark could die if temperatures continue to fall.
