Read the passage and answer the question.
The ocean waves pounded the small sailboat, threatening to toss the occupants desperately clinging to the rails into the churning ocean. Suddenly, there was a pinprick of light in the distance. A fishing boat had heard the distress call of the sailboat crew and were coming to the rescue. After surviving the harrowing ordeal, the crew of the sailboat presented their guardian angels a medal.
Based on the context, what is the denotation of the word harrowing?
Select one:

thrilling

exciting

fulfilling

terrifying