With a nickname straight out of Forrest Gump, it’s no surprise people were on the edge of their seats waiting to see if TikTok’s “Lieutenant Dan” made it through Hurricane Milton on his 20-foot sailboat.
So, did this guy, real name Joseph Malinowski, survive the storm after refusing to evacuate?
Yes, Lieutenant Dan survived Hurricane Milton, defying evacuation orders and social media speculation. Despite strong warnings from local authorities and offers of shelter, Joseph Malinowski, aka Lieutenant Dan, chose to ride out the storm on his 20-foot sailboat. Throughout the hurricane, he kept his TikTok followers updated with calm and often humorous videos, assuring everyone that he was safe. While viral AI-generated images falsely suggested his boat was destroyed, Lieutenant Dan emerged unscathed, later posting, “I’m alive, woowoo … God is good.”
The Story Behind Lieutenant Dan’s Storm Survival
Joseph Malinowski, aka “Lieutenant Dan,” gained fame after posting about his decision to stay on his boat during Hurricane Milton, despite major evacuation warnings.
He was no stranger to weathering storms on the water, having done the same thing during Hurricane Helene. But Milton was no joke, with forecasts of dangerous winds and a massive storm surge that had officials worried for his life .
Lieutenant Dan, though, stayed chill, telling his followers on TikTok that everything was under control—even when his boat was rocking. His calm demeanor, paired with his faith that “God has my back,” kept him determined to see the storm through. He even posted updates like, “I haven’t even spilled my coffee yet,” as Hurricane Milton closed in.
Social media couldn’t get enough. Millions watched in suspense, with some even betting on whether he’d make it through. At one point, rumors—and some AI-generated images—floated around, suggesting his boat had sunk.
But in reality, Dan made it through just fine. In fact, he later shared a post-storm update around 3 a.m., letting everyone know he was still alive and kicking: “I’m alive, woowoo … God is good.”
Despite offers of shelter, including from concerned TikTok followers and even the Tampa Police Department, Malinowski refused to leave his boat. He believed the safest place for him was on the water, tied up at Tampa Bay Harbor. Though Mayor Jane Castor said in a news conference that Dan had been rescued, he quickly debunked that, claiming he had never left his boat .
This wasn’t just a one-time story either. Lieutenant Dan’s newfound fame has even led to a successful GoFundMe campaign and offers from high-profile figures like streamer Adin Ross, who promised him a new boat and a livestreaming deal to share his seafaring adventures.
With over $39,000 raised so far, Lieutenant Dan’s future on the water looks brighter than ever.
Would you have stayed on the boat like Lieutenant Dan, or is that way too risky for you?
