Wave Smashes Window of Florida Deputy's Boat as Tropical Storm Barry Nears

A Florida sheriff’s deputy sustained minor facial injuries when a wave smashed through the windshield of his boat late on Friday, July 12, as he was providing help to a distressed boater ahead of Tropical Storm Barry.

Deputy Robert Wagner with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office’s Marine Unit was near Destin in rough conditions when a wave came over the bow, shattering the window and sending glass flying towards Wagner, causing “minor lacerations,” the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office said the distressed boaters were later helped by the US Coast Guard.

The National Weather Service in New Orleans said at 7.25 am on Saturday that the storm was moving slowly northward, nearing hurricane strength, and was generating wind speeds of up to 70 mph. Credit: Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office via Storyful