Joseph Malinowski, a 54-year-old sailor from Tampa, Florida, has become the focus of national attention for his decision to ride out Hurricane Milton on his 20-foot sailboat. Known on social media as “Lieutenant Dan,” Malinowski chose to stay aboard his vessel despite repeated efforts by authorities to rescue him and offers from followers to take refuge in their homes or local motels.

Malinowski first gained prominence after a series of TikTok videos documenting his experience during Hurricane Helene, which attracted a large following. His bold decision to remain on his yacht during Hurricane Milton, which set new records for severity, brought even more attention to his situation. As the storm tore through parts of Florida, leaving at least 11 confirmed fatalities in its wake, Malinowski stayed connected with his audience through social media, providing regular updates.
Even as Hurricane Milton pummeled Tampa with powerful winds and torrential rain, Malinowski remained calm and assured his followers of his safety. “I’m doing great!” he told NBC News on Wednesday evening, just two hours before the storm made landfall. Later, he provided updates as the storm progressed, noting that although the wind was stronger than expected, he had secured his boat at Tampa Bay Harbor and was faring well. “So far so good,” he remarked, despite his boat’s bow bouncing off the dock due to the intense winds.

Throughout the night, Malinowski continued to upload videos on TikTok, reassuring his followers that he was safe and even joked about the situation, saying, “I haven’t even spilled my coffee yet.” His nonchalant attitude amid the life-threatening conditions both intrigued and concerned his audience. By 3 a.m. Thursday, Malinowski confirmed his survival with a message to his followers: “I’m alive, woowoo … God is good.The attention surrounding Malinowski led to the creation of a GoFundMe page, initially intended to raise funds for a new boat, which has garnered over $39,000, with $17,000 raised in just one day as Hurricane Milton made landfall. The fundraiser was launched by Terrence Concannon, a University of Tampa student, who helped spread Malinowski’s story. In addition to the donations, social media influencer Adin Ross pledged a Kick streaming deal worth up to $100,000, which would allow Malinowski to stream his future adventures online. However, the offer was temporarily withdrawn due to Malinowski’s criminal record, though Ross later confirmed that he would proceed with the deal.

Concannon updated the GoFundMe page to clarify that any excess funds raised beyond the cost of a new boat would go toward Malinowski’s daily living expenses, including groceries, boat furnishings, and possibly a gym membership—something Malinowski had long wanted.As the storm subsided, Malinowski reflected on the experience, expressing his gratitude for the outpouring of support. He shared his excitement about using his newfound platform to inspire others, saying, “I want to be a content creator… help people out, give them a reason to keep going, and just let everybody know that… we’re all in it together.”Despite the dangers of the storm, Malinowski’s story is one of resilience and community support, showcasing the power of social media to bring people together even in the face of life-threatening events. As he prepares to move forward with new opportunities, “Lieutenant Dan” has shown that sometimes, daring to weather the storm can lead to unexpected and life-changing opportunities.