A Florida man known as “Lieutenant Dan,” reminiscent of the character in Forrest Gump, has safely weathered Hurricane Milton by choosing to stay on his boat during the storm. Hurricane Milton hit as a Category 3 hurricane near Sarasota County’s Siesta Key, accompanied by tornadoes, 28-foot waves, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a devastating storm surge. Despite the severe conditions, videos shared by local journalists showed that Lieutenant Dan, also identified as Joseph Malinowski, and his boat survived the hurricane.
Kevin O’Donnell, a news anchor at local Fox 13, posted a video on social media where he approached Malinowski after the storm had passed. In the footage, Malinowski can be heard confirming his safety and discussing his experience riding out Hurricane Milton on his 20-foot sailboat. His calm demeanor and resilience throughout the natural disaster impressed many, with viewers expressing their relief and admiration for his bravery.
Malinowski had gained attention on TikTok prior to the hurricane when user Terrence Concannon, known as Tampa Terrence, shared videos of “Lieutenant Dan” expressing his determination to remain on his boat during the storm. Despite being encouraged to evacuate by Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, Malinowski refused, citing his faith as a significant factor in his decision to stay. His unwavering trust in God and belief in the safety of his boat guided his choice to weather the hurricane on the water.
During a press conference, Tampa’s mayor Jane Castor disclosed that Malinowski had initially been removed from his boat and taken to a shelter by the police. However, he later returned to his boat. The images of his survival and the account of his experience have captivated the online community, with many applauding his courage and determination in the face of a powerful natural disaster.