A shark sighting in Busan on Friday has local authorities on alert, but residents are flocking to the port to catch a glimpse of the animal rarely seen on the city's coastline.
Photos and videos of people lined up near the waterway at Busan North Port Waterfront Park have been circulating on social media since the shark — over 3 meters long — was first spotted at 8:57 a.m. on Friday and again at 1.05: p.m. on Saturday.
Several videos showed what is thought to be a copper shark swimming near the surface. Some posts claim it was seen in the waterway Sunday morning, but the validity of such claims and related videos have not been verified. Some videos shared were found to have been generated with artificial intelligence.
Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo shared the news about the shark and the unexpected attention across the street. He said the presence of the animal proves how clean the ecological system of Busan North Port is, but urged residents to be cautious.
The species is not particularly aggressive toward humans, but it has been reported to attack humans in the presence of food.
Busan officials and the regional coast guard on Friday mobilized boats and a rescue unit to safely guide the shark to open waters. Those attempts have since been suspended, after the National Institute of Fisheries Science advised that forcing the shark out may prompt an attack.
Officials are monitoring the situation; the city has sent out texts advising residents to take precautions when walking near the waterway, and to not to get close to the water when the shark is nearby.
minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com
