A Thai navy sailor braved choppy waters to launch a dramatic rescue effort to save four cats stranded on a sinking ship that had caught fire.

It was only when the navy was sent to check the vessel, near the island of Koh Adang, for an oil spill after rescuing all eight of the crew yesterday, that they discovered the cats had been forgotten.

First-Class Petty Officer Wichit Pukdeelon of the navy's air and coastal defence division said: 'I used my camera to zoom in to the boat, and I saw one or two cats popping their heads out.'

Thatsaphon Saii, 23, from the Royal Thai Navy's Air and Coastal Defence Command Operation Unit 491, in a life vest, swam 50ft out to the capsized boat, on which four ginger cats were huddled together clinging to a crane structure as the flames engulfed the boat.

Speaking about the rescue, Thatsaphon said: 'When we arrived it was to secure the wreckage and check for oil spills. But we noticed the cats onboard.

'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.

Awesome story Omah, what brave blokes......
Cheered me up no end, thanks for posting....

Oh that had me grinning from ear to ear! So glad there are people like that in the world! Beautiful story

I can just imagine that Pixie....