World · Singapore Bureau
Busan shark vanishes from coastal waters after week-long absence
South Korean officials suspect cooling sea temperatures may have driven the shark known as Bukang-i away from its usual habitat near the port city. The animal has not been spotted since disappearing over seven days ago.
LSN Singapore ·
A shark that captured public attention in the South Korean city of Busan has not been sighted for more than a week, prompting marine authorities to reassess the animal's movements and behaviour. The shark, identified as Bukang-i, had previously been tracked in coastal waters near the bustling port, drawing considerable interest from residents and media observers.
Marine officials now believe the shark may have returned to deeper waters following a recent decline in sea temperatures. Seasonal cooling patterns in the region can prompt marine species to migrate in search of more suitable conditions, and experts suggest this may explain the animal's sudden disappearance from monitored areas.
Monitoring efforts remain ongoing as authorities attempt to track the shark's movements and confirm whether it has permanently left the coastal zone. The incident highlights the challenges of observing marine wildlife in busy shipping lanes and the influence of environmental factors on animal behaviour in urban water systems.
The disappearance marks a significant development in the shark's intermittent presence near Busan, which had generated considerable public interest since it was first identified in the area.