"Spotted Again! Can't Drive It Away"... Shark Appears for Second Day at Busan Waterfront Park

Same Species as the One Found the Previous Day
Not Yet Confirmed if It Is the Same Individual
Monitoring to See If It Leaves on Its Own

A shark has been spotted for the second consecutive day in the waterway at Bukhang Waterfront Park in Busan.

On the 18th, a pedestrian reported the appearance of a live shark at the Bukhang Waterfront Park in Dong-gu, Busan. Busan Coast Guard

According to the city of Busan and other authorities on September 19, a report was received at around 1:05 p.m. that a shark had appeared in the waterway inside the Bukhang Waterfront Park in Dong-gu, Busan. Through a safety alert message, the city of Busan emphasized, "We urge walkers and nearby residents to exercise caution for their safety."

On the previous day, at around 9 a.m., a shark measuring 3 to 4 meters in length and weighing approximately 300 kilograms was also discovered at the waterpark. It is presumed to be a bowmouth guitarfish, which belongs to the family Rhynchobatidae. Additionally, the shark spotted on September 19 is believed to be the same species as the one sighted the previous day. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether the shark seen on the previous day remained in the area and resurfaced, or if it is a different new individual.

The Coast Guard is currently checking whether the shark can find its own way back to the sea. During the first report on the previous day, special rescue teams from the Central Marine Special Rescue Unit were dispatched, including a coastal rescue boat, a patrol vessel, and equipment for expelling dangerous species, to guide the shark back to sea. However, authorities halted the operation following a recommendation from the National Institute of Fisheries Science, which warned that forcefully driving out the animal could cause it to become aggressive. They also noted that, as a threatened species, artificial attempts to drive it into the open sea could negatively affect its health.

On the 18th, a report from a passerby was received about a live shark appearing at the Bukhang Waterfront Park in Dong-gu, Busan. Busan Maritime Police Agency

At one point, the shark even entered the interior of the parking lot annexed to Bukhang Waterfront Park, but it was later confirmed to have moved toward the open sea.

The Coast Guard requested that Busan Port Authority install warning signs notifying the public about the presence of the shark and urged citizens not to approach the waterfront areas of the park.

Meanwhile, the bowmouth guitarfish is found in subtropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, including the coastal waters of Korea. While not considered highly dangerous, this species is classified as potentially aggressive if it feels threatened. In Korea, it is known to inhabit primarily the East Sea and waters off Jeju Island. Recently, sightings of bowmouth guitarfish in Korean coastal waters have increased due to rising sea temperatures. Experts believe the individual discovered this time likely entered the Bukhang waterway in pursuit of prey.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.