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South Korean authorities have guided a shark out of a canal in the southeastern port city of Busan after three attempts, raising hopes that the animal, which had remained in the area for more than a month, will eventually make its way into open sea.
The shark, nicknamed Bukang-i, was spotted near a pier outside the canal following Wednesday's operation, according to Yonhap news agency. However, the surrounding waters are not considered open sea, leaving its final departure uncertain.
Municipal and Coast Guard officials carried out the operation using a net attached to a pontoon, a flat floating platform, to steer the shark toward Marina Bridge and out of the canal.
The successful third attempt followed two unsuccessful operations, with authorities growing concerned that falling water temperatures could threaten the animal's survival.
Although Bukang-i has now been seen beyond the canal, officials hope it will continue moving toward open waters.
First spotted in the canal on Sept. 18, Bukang-i has attracted considerable public attention, turning the unusual sighting into a major attraction in Busan.
According to Yonhap, more than 1.6 million visitors had come to see the shark as of Sunday.
Despite the latest operation, authorities are still hoping the shark will leave the coastal waters near the pier and make its way into the open sea.
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