As Hurricane Milton approached Florida’s Gulf Coast, with officials warning of unprecedented storm surges and life-threatening dangers, TikTok star “Lieutenant Dan,” whose real name is Joseph Malinowski, made an unexpected decision. Despite evacuation orders and pleas from authorities and followers, Malinowski chose to stay on his sailboat, anchored in Tampa Bay. His defiance drew attention as the hurricane loomed.
The storm posed a severe threat to Tampa Bay, where officials warned of surges as high as nine feet. Tampa’s mayor, Jane Castor, issued a dire warning: “If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are going to die.” With many residents fleeing, Malinowski, known to his 551,000 followers for his unconventional lifestyle, chose a different path. He refused to leave his 20-foot sailboat, even after multiple attempts by the police to persuade him to evacuate.
At one point, it seemed that Malinowski would leave. He informed officers that he planned to evacuate, but he changed his mind, insisting on riding out the storm aboard his boat. His choice wasn’t just defiance but stemmed from deep faith and a sense of divine protection. In a TikTok video days before the hurricane, he explained his reasoning. “God told me to come out here and get a boat… He’s got my back,” Malinowski said. His followers grew concerned as the storm approached, but he remained confident. When asked if he’d wear a life jacket, he responded, “Hell no. The safest place in the world to be is my boat.”
One of Malinowski’s supporters, Terrence Concannon, gave him a GoPro camera as a parting gift, encouraging him to document his experience during the storm. The gesture felt symbolic, as many feared the worst. Concannon’s video, captioned “Lieutenant Dan’s last wish,” showed the handover of the camera, raising concerns that Malinowski was preparing to capture what could be his final moments. Despite growing fears, he was resolute in his decision to stay on the boat.
When Hurricane Milton made landfall, the storm proved as powerful as predicted. Although Tampa narrowly avoided the catastrophic 15-foot storm surge officials had feared, torrential rains pummeled the city, and streets turned into dangerous waterways. Over the span of a few hours, Tampa received five months’ worth of rainfall. Winds pushed the water out of Tampa Bay before the surge rushed back in, threatening severe flooding. Emergency services warned residents that the danger was far from over, with downed power lines and floodwaters posing continued risks.
As for Malinowski, updates on his safety were scarce during the height of the storm. His followers and locals anxiously awaited news. Finally, it was confirmed that he had survived. Malinowski weathered the storm aboard his sailboat, emerging unharmed. His survival was a relief for many who had followed his story, though it underscored the dangers of defying evacuation orders.
Malinowski’s decision to stay, despite the clear risks, highlighted his deep faith and strong convictions. Ultimately, his gamble paid off, and Lieutenant Dan lived to tell the tale, adding another chapter to his unique and controversial story.