Coast Guard pilot describes harrowing operation

PORTLAND, Ore. - Lt. David Feeney was one of two pilots involved in pulling fishermen from frigid waters after their vessel rolled three times as it approached Tillamook Bay bar Thursday night.

Feeney, who was flying a NH-60 Coast Guard helicopter, talked with KATU News by phone Friday about the dangerous rescue operation.

He said rescuers weren't sure if the fishing vessel was going to break apart. All the training in the world couldn't fully prepare rescuers for a situation like they had Thursday night, he said.

"The most dangerous thing is ... what we don't train in is boats up against a jetty and the crashing surf and stuff," he said. "They were taking crashes left and right and they actually, at one point, had a pretty large piece of debris on deck with them that they had to maneuver around and get the guy on board," he said.

"It was kind of hard putting our swimmer down there because we know we were putting him in a situation that is potential...he could have gotten hurt or worse, his life could have been lost during the rescue."

To hear the interview, click on the audio link above.