Thai navy hailed for Operation: Kitties Rescue (Photos)

Flames tore through the fishing boat, which began taking on water and going down. Perched on a beam just above the water, under which all but the vessel’s bow had slipped, four survivors trembled.

Seaman Tasspon Sa-ei, aboard a responding naval vessel, leaped to action, swimming to the wreckage and swimming back to safety with all four souls – young kitties – saved from the angry sea.

Photos of the rescue, which took place offshore from Satun province, were winning rare praise for the military on social media today after they were shared by a sailor at the scene.

The five human crew aboard the stricken vessel – five Burmese and three Thai – were also rescued. The feline quartet is now recovering and being spoiled at a naval facility.

The authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking.