Rescue Operation for Busan Northport Shark 'Bukang-i' Suspended... Net Deployment Considered for Early Next Month

[Financial News] 'Bukang-i,' the shark that became an attraction at Busan Northport Waterfront Park, did not return to the sea. The coast guard and fire authorities used vessels to spray water and guide the shark out of the channel, but Bukang-i did not leave it. The authorities are considering additional measures involving nets.
On the 29th, the Busan Coast Guard, the National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS) and other relevant authorities deployed five vessels in total, including rescue boats and motorboats, in two rounds that morning and afternoon to guide Bukang-i out of the artificial channel at Busan Northport Waterfront Park in Dong-gu, Busan.
Despite the dreary weather and autumn rain, citizens visiting Busan Northport Waterfront Park lined the channel to cheer for Bukang-i and say goodbye. Whenever the shark appeared, they shouted, "Bukang-i, have a good journey!" Some also took commemorative photos while holding signs that read, "Bukang-i, we will miss you."
However, the rescue operation encountered difficulties as Bukang-i repeatedly avoided the vessels. The first phase began at around 11 a.m. and continued until approximately 12:40 p.m. The second phase ran for about an hour from 2:30 p.m., but both attempts failed to guide the shark into the open sea.
Bukang-i avoided the streams of water by staying close to the side of the channel, where it was difficult for the vessels to approach, and swimming rapidly behind them. As a result, vessels that lost track of the shark moved back into the channel and repeatedly tried to drive it out.
The coast guard and fire authorities ultimately suspended the operation at around 3:20 p.m., roughly five hours after the rescue effort began.
Because Bukang-i did not leave the channel, the authorities plan to use a specially made net to guide the shark back to sea as early as the 2nd of next month. The specific schedule and method will be finalized after a meeting among the relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, the city appointed Bukang-i as an honorary promotional ambassador on the same day. The move is intended to expand the Bukang-i story into new promotional content for the city, as the shark has sparked a nationwide 'Bukang-i syndrome,' with around 600,000 visitors having visited the waterfront park from the day it first appeared at Busan Northport on the 18th through the previous day.
The city said that 8,200 people participated in a survey on its official Instagram asking for public opinions on Bukang-i's appointment as an honorary promotional ambassador, and that 91% supported the appointment.
At the appointment ceremony, Mayor Jeon Jae-soo will present Bukang-i with its certificate of appointment, while the city's communications character, Boogi, will accept the certificate on the shark's behalf.
[email protected] Kwon Byeong-seok Reporter