Large shark stuck in city canal draws 600,000 visitors as rescue efforts begin in South Korea

Rescue efforts have begun for a 3.5-metre shark trapped for more than a week in a narrow canal in Busan, South Korea, turning the situation into a major tourist draw. The bronze whaler shark, nicknamed Bukang-i, was first spotted on 18 September at a waterfront park. Since then, the city estimates more than 600,000 visitors have come to see it up close. Coastguard attempts on the first day were suspended after six hours, following scientists’ warnings. On Tuesday, boats sprayed jets of water to push the shark toward the canal mouth, after an earlier attempt failed. Experts say the animal’s ability to feed and move is restricted.