This is 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, came into action when he realized the felines had been left aboard the fire-engulfed ship after the eight crew members were evacuated near Koh Adang Island on Tuesday, The Sun reported.
The Royal Thai Navy sailor dived into the sea to rescue the petrified kittens – who were clinging to a fishing crane – from the raging inferno.
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 arrived it was to secure 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 so I could 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 am so relieved that we were able to save the kittens. “
Miraculously, the kittens were not injured, but had been dehydrated and were given fresh water on board the naval vessel, the British Underground reported.
Navy officials take care of the furry survivors as they prepare for adoption.
The eight crew – five Burmese and three Thai – were rescued by a passing fishing boat.