It’s the incredible moment when a heroic sailor carried a terrified kitten on his back – one of four he rescued from a burning boat off the coast of Thailand.
When Thatsaphon Saii (23) jumped into action when he realized that the cats on board the vessel engulfed by the fire were left behind after the eight crew members were evacuated near the island of Koh Adang on Tuesday, reports The Sun.
The sailor of the Royal Thai Navy dives into the sea to save the petrified kittens – who were clinging to a fishing crane – from the raging hell.
Saii put three of them in an old rice bag and carried one on his shoulder before swimming about 50 feet to safety.
“When we got there, it was to secure the wreck and to spill oil,” he said. ‘But we noticed the cats on board. I immediately take off my shirt and put on a life jacket so I can jump into the sea. ‘
He continued: ‘The flames were at the back of the boat, but it was starting to sink, so I knew I had to be quick. I’m so relieved we could save the kittens. ”
Miraculously, the kittens were not injured, but they became dehydrated and found fresh water on board the naval vessel, reports the British metro.
Navy officials care for the furry survivors as they prepare to be adopted.
The eight crew members – five Burmese and three Thai – were rescued by a passing fishing boat.