I was on one of those roll over tubs day after Thanksgiving from one to 16 miles offshore in 1980. There was a noreaster blowing rain and snow with 60 + mph winds. Off shore waves/swells were between 30 and 40 footers the boat was 44' in length. Coming back in into the inlet is where it really got rough 18-22' breakers. The stern lifted and started to push up and starboard. I was on the port side holding onto a pole attaching the overhead. As the boat started to list to starboard I reached up with my right hand now holding the bar with both hands and instead of beig straight up and down it was flat, my feet were in the water about midships as it were and the snipe on the starboard side was holding onto the opposite pole I was, was holding his breath 5 feet underwater adn hanging on for dear life. It seemed like were sideways like that for 4 or 5 minutes, probably ony 45 seconds as we slowly popped back upright. He immmediatley went down to check on the engines and we did not see him again until we were tied up.

I got no problems with what the boys do now and am proud of what I did then, more so than working for this liberal rag we call a newspaper now. Sorry I digress, Coast Guard as tough guys? Sometimes.