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Busan shark faces critical survival window as rescue efforts intensify

Marine experts have warned that Bukang-i, a shark that wandered into a South Korean canal, may have only two weeks to survive in its current environment. The animal was first discovered at North Port Waterfront Park on September 18.

LSN Singapore · 20 October 2026

Busan shark faces critical survival window as rescue efforts intensify

Bukang-i's presence in the freshwater canal at Busan's North Port Waterfront Park has raised significant concerns among marine biologists and animal welfare officials monitoring the situation. The shark, which typically inhabits saltwater environments, faces mounting physiological stress in the unfamiliar conditions of the confined waterway.

Marine experts have estimated that the animal's window for survival is rapidly closing, with projections suggesting it may have approximately two weeks before its health deteriorates critically. The timeline underscores the urgency of ongoing rescue and relocation efforts by South Korean authorities and marine specialists working to return the shark to suitable habitat.

The discovery of Bukang-i has sparked broader discussions about marine animal migration patterns and the potential effects of environmental changes on aquatic wildlife in the region. Experts have been monitoring the shark's condition closely while developing strategies for safe capture and transfer to an appropriate marine environment.

Local authorities have coordinated with marine research institutions to assess the best course of action, balancing the animal's welfare with public safety considerations. The case has drawn attention from marine conservation groups monitoring unusual wildlife incidents across South and Southeast Asia.