This was not your run-of-the-mill, high wind, bombarding waves life-saving adventure.

French sailor Manu Wattecamps-Etienne managed to shove his cat, named Pipalup, into his coat before being rescued by the Coast Guard on Tuesday when he lost control of his boat in rough waters following the loss of the vessel's rudder and rigging off the coast of Alaska.

Wattecamps-Etienne sent a distress signal from his 30-foot sailboat, which was being pummeled by 20-foot waves and winds over more than 45 miles per hour.

Somehow, Wattecamps-Etienne jumped onto the rescue boat while Pipalup was nestled in his coat. Miraculously, they both landed safely.

Wattecamps-Etienne expressed his appreciation for those who've wished him well following the ordeal.


United States Coast Guard Je tiens à vous remercier, avec mon plus grand respect, pour la manière dont vous avez menée,…

Posted by Manu Wattecamps-Etienne on Wednesday, October 21, 2015

You can also donate to help Wattecamps-Etienne in his quest to captain another boat.

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