[Anchor]

A massive rescue operation was launched today (September 29) to return "Bukang-i," a shark that has been staying in Busan's North Port for over 10 days, back to the open sea. However, the operation to guide the shark using water cannons proved ineffective and ultimately failed. A second operation using nets is scheduled for this coming Friday.

KNN reporter Choi Han-sol has the story.

[Reporter]

Coast Guard and firefighting rescue boats emerge from inside the waterway while firing water cannons.

An operation has begun to drive the shark, Bukang-i, out of the waterway and into the sea.

Bukang-i briefly appears to be pushed away by the water streams, but repeatedly ducks and hides deep underwater to avoid them before popping back out.

[Visitors: It is smart. Go Bukang-i!]

Later, as if it has grown accustomed to the situation, the shark leisurely swims alongside a rescue boat, prompting cheers from citizens.

[Visitors: It is right here! Wow!]

The water cannon operation, which was reportedly modeled after a case in 2004 when a great white shark trapped in a U.S. salt marsh was guided back to the ocean, ultimately ended in failure.

Right behind me, beyond the pedestrian bridge, is the entrance to the waterway leading to the sea. During dozens of rounds of water cannon fire, Bukang-i ventured outside the pedestrian bridge only twice before turning back into the waterway.

Although the operation failed, citizens are rather pleased that they can continue to see Bukang-i.

[Kang Geon-woo / Kim Jin-i, Buk-gu, Busan: If it failed, it means the shark likes the North Port waterway, so I think it would be fine just to leave it as it is even if the operation failed.]

Experts also believe there must be a valid reason why Bukang-i refuses to leave.

[Kim Jin-goo, Professor, Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University: I think it might keep entering the waterway to give birth. Also, since this is a waterway, it is safe, and the water temperature is higher than elsewhere. This creature likes warm waters.]

The cumulative crowd gathered to see Bukang-i reached 607,000 people as of yesterday. Buoyed by this record-breaking popularity, the Busan Metropolitan Government officially appointed Bukang-i as an honorary goodwill ambassador.

The National Institute of Fisheries Science announced that it is manufacturing a net 50 meters wide and 4 meters deep tailored to the waterway, and will launch a second operation to return Bukang-i using this net on October 2.

(Video by Hwang Tae-chul KNN)

Choi Han-sol, KNN