Thai seaman named ‘Hero to Animals’ by PETA for daring kitty rescue

Not the claws! Seaman Tassapon Sa-ei lets himself be used as a cat raft to rescue one of four kitties from a sinking boat.
Not the claws! Seaman Tassapon Sa-ei lets himself be used as a cat raft to rescue one of four kitties from a sinking boat.

A sailor who swam into hearts around the world by rescuing four kitties from drowning in the open sea was recognized by a well-known animal rights organization for his bravery. 

After leaping into the ocean off Satun province to save four kittens from a sinking boat last week, Seaman Tassapon Sa-ei received a Hero to Animals Award from the group.

Not even a top PETA top official could resist praising the man with a watery pun. 

“These sailors’ courageous and compassionate actions have made a splash with kind people around the world,” PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker said in a statement.  “PETA hopes their example will inspire everyone to keep an eye out for animals in danger and do whatever it takes to get them to safety.”

Apart from a framed certificate and a letter of appreciation, the organization offered to compensate Tasspon and his fellow seamen for the cost of spaying or neutering the cats. 

Last week, Tassapon and his crew rescued five humans and four cats aboard the sinking fishing vessel, which had caught fire at sea. Photos showed him swimming to the vessel to retrieve four scared, wet cats perched just inches above the water on a beam still above the waves made headlines around the world.

Tassapon, 23, has been assigned to an Air and Coastal Defence Command Operation Unit since 2019. He is originally from Tepa district in Songkhla province. 

The feline quarter was fed with food and water and they are under care at the navy facility. 

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Thai navy hailed for Operation: Kitties Rescue (Photos)




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