Four cats rescued from sinking ship

A Thai navy sailor has rescued four cats stranded on a sinking ship that had caught fire, near the island of Koh Adang, according to the Daily Mail.

Once all eight of the crew were rescued, the navy was sent to check the vessel for an oil spill. That was when it was discovered the cats had been forgotten.

Thatsaphon Saii, from the Royal Thai Navy’s Air and Coastal Defence Command Operation Unit 491, swam 50ft to the capsized boat to rescue the four cats. He carried them on his shoulder above the water level, with his team pulling him in by rope.

“When we arrived it was to secure the wreckage and check for oil spills, but we noticed the cats onboard,” says Saii.

“I immediately took off my shirt and put on a life jacket so I could jump into the sea. The flames were at the back of the boat but it was starting to sink, so I knew I had to be quick.”

The cats are now being cared for by their rescuers at their command post on the island of Koh Lipe.

The oil tank in the sunken ship is said to be vulnerable sparking fears of coral reef damage.

Thai authorities are now working to salvage the vessel, says the Daily Mail.

Images courtesy of PO1 Wichit Pukdeelon.