In 2021, a fishing boat caught fire and began to sink. Although its eight crew members managed to escape, Thai sailors inspecting the scene found four kittens trapped amid the smoke and flames.
Petty Officer Wichit Pukdeelon, who was 23 years old at the time, decided to jump into the sea to rescue them. He swam to the burning vessel and took the animals out one by one, carrying them on his back until he brought them to safety.
Thanks to his quick action, all four cats survived and were later taken to a naval base on Koh Lipe, where they still live today. The rescue turned the young sailor into a hero for thousands of people.
