SALISBURY, Md. –  The lone survivor of a fishing boat lost off Ocean City, Md., says the biggest wave he had ever seen destroyed his vessel in seconds.

Patrick Small of Bern, N.C., tells WUSA (http://on.wusa9.com/12xtfya) that the ship lost its rudder and was being towed when a wave snapped the tow line.

He says in 15 seconds Wednesday, the boat was shattered. A Coast Guard search was called off Thursday for two other crew members.

The 67-foot Seafarer issued a distress call about 15 miles off the coast of Assateague Island as a winter storm lashed the coast.

Small suffered a gash to the head and bruised ribs and spent 90 minutes in the water before managing to get into a lifeboat. It took another hour for a helicopter to collect him.

He is being treated for hypothermia and injuries.