This is the incredible moment when a heroic sailor carried a terrified kitten on his back – one of the four he rescued from a burning boat off the coast of Thailand.
When Thatsaphon Saii, 23, took action when he realized that the cats had been left on board the fire-engulfed vessel after its eight crew members were evacuated on Tuesday near the island of Koh Adang, The Sun reported.
The sailor of the Royal Navy of Thailand dived into the sea to rescue the petrified kittens – which were attached to a fishing crane – from furious hell.
Saii put three of them in an old rice bag and carried one on his shoulder before swimming about 15 meters for safety.
“When we arrived, it was to protect the wreckage and check for oil spills,” he said. “But we noticed the cats on board. I immediately took off my shirt and put on a life jacket to jump into the sea. “
He continued: “The flames were at the back of the boat, but it was starting to sink, so I knew it had to be quick. I am very relieved that we were able to save the kittens. “
Miraculously, the kittens did not get hurt, but they became dehydrated and received fresh water on board the Navy ship, the UK Metro reported.
Navy officers are looking after furry survivors as they prepare for their adoption.
The eight crew members – five Burmese and three Thais – were saved by a passing fishing boat.