South Korean Officials Launch Fresh Operation to Return Viral Canal Shark to Open Waters

South Korean authorities initiated a second concerted effort on Wednesday to coax a large shark that has become an internet sensation back into the ocean, after it became stranded in the Busan Canal for several weeks.

The shark, first spotted earlier this month near the bustling port of Busan, quickly drew attention on social media as videos of the predator swimming amid cargo ships went viral. Its unexpected presence in a heavily trafficked waterway sparked both fascination and concern, prompting local officials to intervene.

Initial attempts to guide the animal toward the sea involved using bait and temporary barriers, but cold water temperatures and the shark's cautious behavior thwarted those efforts. As winter approaches, the water in the canal has dropped to near 10°C (50°F), a temperature range that can stress a marine predator accustomed to warmer currents.

In the latest operation, divers and marine biologists from the Korea Coast Guard, supported by volunteers, deployed a series of floating nets and a specially designed acoustic lure to encourage the shark to move downstream. The plan also includes a gradual release of warm water from nearby vessels to create a more hospitable temperature gradient.

Environmental groups have voiced worries that prolonged exposure to low temperatures could impair the shark's health, while local fishermen fear the animal's presence may disrupt regular traffic and pose safety risks. Public interest remains high, with many residents gathering along the canal banks to watch the unfolding rescue.

Officials say the operation will be monitored closely, and if the shark does not respond by early next week, additional measures—such as a larger escort vessel or a controlled transport to a more suitable habitat—may be considered. The incident underscores the challenges of human-wildlife interactions in busy maritime corridors and highlights the need for protocols that balance ecological concerns with commercial activity.