A pair of drowning Iranians refused to thank their rescuers properly – because they were Israeli.

Lifeguard father-and-son team Shimshon and Nimrod Machani, have practiced their skill for years on Tel Aviv's beaches.

But it was while they were in Thailand that their lifesaving ability was tested. They were out on a boat off the coast of Koh Samui island, when the weather became stormy and they spotted two s w immers struggling to stay afloat.

"They didn't have much of a chance," Shimshon Machani told Ynet.

They managed to bring the men to the boat and help them regain consciousness. At first the revived men expressed gratitude, but it didn't last long.

"We told them we were Israelis," said Nimrod. "They just got up and fled."