Then, my spouse spotted a kitten [in the water]. I felt an overwhelming urge to act.
It felt as if my own child were in the water," said Aykut Balli, rescuer.
Balli immediately entered the ocean fully clothed to retrieve the drowning feline. "It's a living creature," said Aykut Balli, rescuer.
A passerby recorded the rescue as Balli swam out to bring the kitten safely back to the shore.
"I jumped in without a second thought," said Aykut Balli, rescuer.
After drying the kitten and warming her in his car, Balli managed to locate her mother nearby.
"Once I was sure she was OK, I reunited her with her mother," said Aykut Balli, rescuer.
He returned the following day to provide food and ensure the animal suffered no lingering health issues.
"The next morning, I bought some food and checked on the kitten's health. Thankfully, the little rascal is doing well," said Aykut Balli, rescuer.
The rescue inspired the couple to pursue long-term welfare solutions for local stray animals.
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"We have a great plan in the works to help our cute little friends," said Aykut Balli, rescuer.
The initiative aims to build dedicated shelters for homeless animals in the area. "They're going to have a home of their own," said Aykut Balli, rescuer.
Highway Motorcycle Rescue
During his commute from work last Tuesday, a motorcyclist named Diego spotted an obstacle in the fast lane of a busy highway.