Critical Content | Reported October 22, 2026
Residents of Busan, South Korea, spent more than a month watching an unlikely visitor: a shark swimming through a canal near the North Port waterfront. On October 21, 2026, rescuers guided the animal—nicknamed Bukangi—toward open water, but the apparent success did not last. By October 22, Bukangi had swum back into the canal, Reuters reported.
Reuters reported that the shark was first noticed on September 18. Officials identified her as a female dusky shark about three meters long. Her presence so close to the city’s buildings and transport hub was unusual enough to turn the canal into a local attraction.
Why the rescue took several attempts
The operation was not as straightforward as lifting an animal out of a swimming pool. Moving a large shark requires careful handling, and rescuers sought a way to guide Bukangi through the connected waterway without worsening her condition. After two unsuccessful attempts, the third rescue involved divers and floating platforms.
On October 22, South Korea’s oceans ministry said Bukangi had swum under an outer net and ended up between that net and a second barrier. Officials opened the outer net and strengthened the other barriers, hoping she would head toward the open sea voluntarily. According to Reuters, experts described her condition as stable and officials planned to keep monitoring her, without an immediate new rescue operation. The Busan Infrastructure Corporation reported 1.6 million visitors to the waterfront during the period; that figure does not establish that every person came exclusively to see the shark.
What the unusual sighting may tell scientists
South Korean fisheries experts have pointed to increased shark sightings in regional waters. Changing ocean temperatures are one possible factor being studied, but Bukangi’s specific reason for entering the canal has not been established. This is a wildlife rescue story, not evidence that sharks are suddenly seeking out people.
The setback illustrates the challenges of helping a wild marine animal without causing additional harm. As of Reuters’ October 22 report, Bukangi had not been confirmed back in open water. Authorities were monitoring the shark and leaving a route open for her to swim out.
Sources and further reading
Featured photo: illustrative image (A stock image of a shark, not Bukangi). Sofia Rotaru / Unsplash. Licensed for reuse; this is not a documentary photo of the reported event or people.
