The non-profit group in Poland, Tail Up Foundation (Fundacja Ogon Do Góry), first shared the story with its Facebook followers last week. According to the translated post, the fishermen found six kittens tangled up in some netting on August 23. The post did not explain how the kittens got on board; however, it did state their mother was not with them.
Those with the foundation claimed that in situations such as this, many others would have simply cast the kittens overboard. But these “wonderful men” were determined not to let the kittens suffer.
“Sebastian Szywowski, Mi łoosz Uruski and Marek Kowalczuk are heroes in the true sense of the word,” said the foundation in its Facebook post. “They drained the babies, packed them in a material box, put a hot water bottle in to warm and sought help.”
The fishermen made contact with the foundation Monday, seeking guidance on how to feed the kittens. With no milk around, they used the resources available to satiate the kittens’ hunger until help could arrive.
But due to bad weather, the foundation’s multiple attempts to make it to sea to rendezvous with the ship were thwarted. Those with Tail Up had no other option than to wait on land until the ship returned Thursday. Fortunately, the crew remained in constant contact with Tail Up to ensure the kittens’ survival.
“The gentlemen on the boat were in constant contact with us and stood on their heads to ensure the best possible conditions for the babies!” the post said. “Mr. Sebastian himself used to get up to the little ones every hour! Including the fact of…feeding babies with a micro bottle found properly cleaned, decontaminated.”
In an interview with local media, The First News reports that Szybowski said he used sugar and water to feed the kittens.
“I found out that they cannot be fed with cow’s milk,” he said. “There was water and sugar left. I cleaned the bottle and the feeding started. So for four days, every hour, like with children I fed them.
“There was no other option. I immediately thought that you have to do everything you can to make these kittens survive. Well, the fight began.”
All six kittens were handed over to the foundation on Thursday.
Commenters were quick to praise the men and share their love and support for the kittens.
“We need such men—strength and empathy,” said one. “[F]ingers crossed for each of the little ones. And of course—the Foundation and its people.”
“Well done booth gentlemen, Foundation, little ones fight for your life,” said another.
Sadly, things quickly took a turn for the worse.
Though the crew did its best to care for the kittens, the litter went without proper food for several days. By the time they were brought in for proper care, their bodies were already very weak.
In a sad update on Sunday, the foundation shared that four of the kittens had died.
“Our fight is constantly on. Since taking over the babies, we lost the fight for life with 4 kittens,” the post read. “[Two] little ones are alive but very weak, the prognosis is very careful but we fight! We believe in miracles, send a lot of warmth and energy to our wonderful two, they have to do it!
“We always do everything we can to help and save lives, unfortunately, it doesn’t always work,” the post continued.
Commenters following the sea kittens’ journey sent well wishes and support to the remaining two kittens.
“We fight with all our strength,” said one.
“Fingers crossed for these two! May they succeed!” exclaimed another.
Should the two kittens survive, they will be adopted out to members of the crew that saved them.
