As Hurricane Milton approached Florida’s Gulf Coast, TikTok sensation Lieutenant Dan made a bold choice. While others were evacuating, he decided to stay on his sailboat in Tampa Bay, leaving everyone wondering what would happen to him.
Hurricane Milton posed a significant threat to Florida’s Gulf Coast, especially in Tampa Bay. There were evacuation orders for the most vulnerable areas, with officials warning of the life-threatening storm surge.
However, Lieutenant Dan, also known as Joseph Malinowski, refused to leave his 20-foot sailboat. With over 551,000 followers on TikTok, his unconventional lifestyle and daring decisions had already made him a focal point of attention.
Local authorities, concerned for his safety, repeatedly tried to convince him to evacuate, but he remained steadfast. He believed that staying on his boat was the right choice, rooted in his faith and his deep connection to the vessel.
Lieutenant Dan shared a video on TikTok days before the storm, explaining that he believed God had told him to get a boat and that he was protected. Despite the growing urgency and concerns from authorities and his followers, his confidence in his boat’s safety remained unshaken.
As Hurricane Milton approached, the anticipation grew. Many wondered what would happen to Lieutenant Dan and his boat. One of his followers, Terrence Concannon, even gave him a GoPro camera as a parting gift, hoping he would document his experience on the boat during the storm.
When Hurricane Milton finally made landfall, Tampa was pummeled by torrential rains, causing dangerous flooding. Although the storm surge was not as severe as expected, authorities warned of the ongoing risks, such as downed power lines and deep floodwaters.
During the hurricane, there was little information about Lieutenant Dan’s safety. His boat remained anchored in Tampa Bay, enduring the strong winds and heavy rain. It was only after the storm had passed that updates emerged, confirming his survival.
Despite defying evacuation orders and facing criticism, Lieutenant Dan’s faith and conviction helped him survive Hurricane Milton. His story became a source of relief for many, showcasing the power of his belief in his boat.
As Florida assessed the damage caused by the hurricane, Lieutenant Dan’s decision to stay on his boat became a part of his unique story. Though controversial, he defied the odds and lived to share his tale with the world.
