23/07/2025
Navy Officer Swims Into Burning Wreck to Save Four Cats Clinging to a Sinking Boat
As a fishing boat began to capsize and burn near Thailand’s Koh Adang in March 2021, the Royal Thai Navy rescued its eight crew but left the scene temporarily unaware four cats were still onboard. Returning to check for a possible oil spill, sailors noticed the cats huddled on a crane-like beam above the water. With the ship sinking fast and flames growing, 23-year-old sailor Thatsaphon Saii dove into the sea and swam 50 feet to reach them. Balancing each cat on his back and shoulders, he made multiple trips through smoke and water, bringing all four to safety.
The cats were then relocated to the Navy’s Koh Lipe command post and adopted into their care. As the vessel slipped beneath the surface, focus shifted to salvaging the wreck before an environmental disaster. The selfless rescue went viral, not only for the rare cat survival story at sea, but also for highlighting real acts of courage in the line of duty.
