Offshore workers operating in remote ocean environments have told many a shaggy dog tale over the years, but one from workers on a Chevron field in the Gulf of Thailand in the past week has captured headlines and hearts around the world.

Deckhands on the facility, which is thought to be in the Satun field, on 12 April spotted a dog paddling towards them in the open ocean, a staggering 220 kilometres from the coast of Songkhla province, Thailand.