Joe Malinowski, known as “Lieutenant Dan” on TikTok, made headlines for refusing to evacuate his sailboat in Tampa Bay as Hurricane Milton approached. Despite pleas from officials, Malinowski stayed put, saying, “This is a boat. It’s meant to be on water.”
The Encounter That Sparked a Viral Saga
University of Tampa senior Terrence Concannon first encountered Malinowski while he was being dragged out to sea in mid-September. Since then, Concannon has documented Malinowski’s defiance on TikTok as he chose to ride out not just Hurricane Helene but now the far more dangerous Hurricane Milton.
Staying Put Despite the Rising Danger
Despite a forecast of a 15-foot storm surge and local officials urging evacuation, Malinowski insists he’s safe on his 20-foot sailboat. His TikTok account has gained over 211,000 followers as he continues to post videos from his boat, turning his situation into a viral sensation.
Refusing to Leave: The Battle with the Elements
Tampa police made multiple attempts to persuade “Lieutenant Dan” to leave for his safety. Even after a public announcement that he was rescued, Malinowski denied it, saying, “I’m still on my boat. I’m still afloat. If things crack and break, I’ll leave. But if it’s just wind and rain, I can deal with that.”
Lieutenant Dan: The Man Who Stayed on His Boat in the Face of Hurricane Milton 🛥️
Joe Malinowski, known as “Lieutenant Dan” on TikTok, made headlines for refusing to evacuate his sailboat in Tampa Bay as Hurricane Milton approached. Despite pleas from officials, Malinowski… https://t.co/wDyOnaA2xB
— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) October 10, 2024