Shark Returns to Sea After Over a Month Stuck in a South Korean Port Canal

Shark Returns to Sea After Over a Month Stuck in a South Korean Port Canal A 10‑foot‑long dusky shark, locally known as Bukangi, has been released back into the open ocean after spending more than a month trapped in a narrow canal at a South Korean port. The fish, which was rescued by a team of marine biologists and local fishermen, was guided out of the canal during a third rescue attempt that began early this month. The operation was carried out in close coordination with the Korean Coast Guard and a university research team from the National Institute of Fisheries Science..

Bukangi first entered the canal during a routine fishing trip in early November, when it became lodged against a submerged rock formation. Initial attempts to free the shark involved the use of inflatable tubes and a small boat, but these measures failed to overcome the strong currents and tight space. The team subsequently deployed a larger vessel, but the shark remained trapped, drifting between the walls of the canal..

In the days that followed, researchers monitored the animal’s behaviour and health. The dusky shark, a species commonly found in temperate and tropical waters, showed no signs of severe distress, though its movements were limited by the confined environment. Water temperature in the canal had fallen to around 12 °C, and the team noted that the shark’s breathing rate had increased, a typical response to cold and confinement..

The third rescue attempt began on 15 March, when the research team arrived with a specialised rescue vessel and a network of hoses. The hoses were threaded through the canal’s narrow passages to deliver a gentle current that would help guide the shark toward the mouth of the waterway. The operation lasted nearly three hours, during which the team carefully monitored water quality and the shark’s physiological response..

Throughout the rescue, local authorities ensured that the operation did not disrupt commercial traffic. The port’s traffic lights were temporarily switched to allow the rescue vessel to proceed with minimal interference. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard maintained a safety perimeter around the canal to keep larger vessels at bay..

This coordination was essential to prevent any accidental collisions that could have harmed the shark or the rescuers. Once Bukangi emerged from the canal, it was transferred to a holding tank for a brief period. Scientists conducted a rapid health check, measuring heart rate, blood oxygen levels and skin integrity..

The fish appeared healthy, with no visible injuries or signs of infection. The team then released the shark into the open sea at a depth of 15 metres, a location chosen for its calm waters and abundant food supply. The release was witnessed by a small group of local residents and a team of marine life photographers..

Their presence helped document the event, providing valuable footage for future educational outreach. The footage, which is expected to be released under a public domain licence, will be used by wildlife organisations to raise awareness about the dangers that marine animals face when they become trapped in human-made structures. Bukangi’s escape about the design and maintenance of port infrastructure..

Experts note that canals and narrow waterways can pose significant risks to marine life, especially when they are not adequately monitored. The incident has prompted a review of safety protocols at the port, with plans to install additional monitoring sensors and to conduct routine inspections of the canal’s structure. The National Institute of Fisheries Science has pledged to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of such incidents on local shark populations..

Preliminary estimates suggest that over 150 dusky sharks have been recorded in the region since 2010, with a small but growing number of individuals being affected by infrastructure. The institute is also exploring the feasibility of creating shark-safe zones within busy shipping lanes. While Bukangi’s successful rescue is a cause for celebration, it underscores the need for continued vigilance..

The South Korean government has already announced funding for further research into marine animal rescue techniques. These efforts aim to refine rapid-response protocols and to develop new technologies that can aid in the safe release of other large marine animals trapped in similar situations..