Video from the U.S. Coast Guard shows a plane piloted by a Seattle man plummet toward the ocean near Maui on Sunday.
The video also shows a Holland America cruise ship rescue that pilot, Lue Morton.
The plane deployed a parachute before it crashed hundreds of miles from the shore of Maui.
KIRO 7's Rob Munoz is reporting on the story in our 6 a.m. newscast. Watch on air or online: http://kiro.tv/LiveNews2
On Monday, Morton spoke briefly about his near-death experience.
"The coordination with Holland was more than impressive,” said Morton.
Morton was thankful to Holland America for saving his life.
On video, he can be seen exiting the Cirrus SR22 calmly after the crash.
And then he rides the waves on a floatation device.
Finally, a vessel comes to rescue him from the water.
"Their work with their team when I was on the water, getting me out of there and getting me onto the boat as quickly as possible -- the medical team -- was great,” said Morton.
The Holland America cruise ship, Veendam, had to be diverted on the fifth day of their 18-day Hawaiian cruise.
The captain said he fought 40-foot seas and high winds just so he could safely send in a rescue boat.
“In my opinion he was especially thankful and we were all happy we could bring to a happy ending for the pilot,” said Capt. Eric Van Der Wal with Holland America Cruise Lines.
KIRO
