A man from Xinyang city of Henan province refused a 100,000 yuan ($14,960) reward for saving four lives after the Phuket boat accident, dahe.cn reported on Monday.
Zhang Haofeng rescued his fiancée and three other people and drifted on sea for 12 hours when two tour boats capsized off Phuket in southern Thailand on July 5, 2018.
Zhang was offered a 100,000 yuan reward by his company for his bravery, but refused to take it saying "I don't think I'm that great. Anyone will do the same in that kind of situation."
Zhang's fiancée Meng Ying said "he is a really kind man". Meng said she was not surprised at what Zhang did because he always tried to help others in daily life. Zhang's father was also proud of his son.
Zhang was also applauded by many Chinese netizens for his kind act. An internet user called "Chen Guanghui" said "He's very humble. He doesn't brag about his heroic deeds, but this is exactly why many people are moved by his story. He is a hero."
Two tourist boats, Phoenix and Serenata, overturned in rough seas in southern Thailand's Phuket on July 5. All the 42 passengers on board Serenata were rescued. Forty-two tourists on board Phoenix were rescued and 47, all Chinese tourists, lost their lives.