Giant Whale Shark Stays Trapped In Busan Canal For Fifth Day

X user T0o_Pu_Plant filmed a large dark shark swimming among round stepping stones in shallow green water at Bukhang waterfront park on September 22.

The shark’s dorsal fin and tail broke the surface as it moved close to the stone edge before disappearing beneath the ripples and coming back into view.

The shark, about 3.5 meters long, was first seen in the canal on September 18. The National Institute of Fisheries Science said it was likely a whale shark.

By September 22, the animal remained in the canal for a fifth day. Officials planned to wait through the Chuseok holiday from September 24 to 27 before potentially guiding it back to open water.

Crowds nicknamed the shark “Bukangi,” with about 20,000 people visiting over the weekend. The filmmaker said they shot the footage that morning and that the park was packed.

Experts said the shark likely followed prey into the canal and could not find the exit.