SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - A 3-meter shark that spent more than a month trapped in an artificial canal at Busan's North Port returned behind a containment barrier Thursday, hours after authorities had guided it toward open water.
The female dusky shark, nicknamed Bukang, was spotted Thursday morning swimming between two barriers near the canal entrance. Authorities had moved her out of the waterway at around 6 p.m. Wednesday during their third rescue attempt.
Bukang apparently passed beneath or around a floating pontoon equipped with netting that had been installed to prevent her from returning. Two additional net barriers remain between her current location and the inner section of the canal where she had previously stayed.
Authorities have made three attempts to move the shark since late September. Earlier operations used boats, high-pressure water and large nets before officials changed their approach Wednesday and gradually pushed her toward an exit with a net attached to a floating structure.
Concerns over Bukang's condition have grown as water temperatures fall. Authorities said no feeding activity has been confirmed during her stay in the canal, while abrasions have been observed around her snout and a fin.
Fisheries experts, have said the visible injuries do not appear serious enough to impair her swimming. Authorities are preparing another effort to guide Bukang into open water.
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