Who Is TikTok’s ‘Lieutenant Dan’? Meet Joseph Malinowski, the Sailor Who Rode Out Hurricane Milton on His Boat
Joseph Malinowski, better known as “Lieutenant Dan” to his 575,000 TikTok followers, became a viral sensation after refusing to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton. The 54-year-old made waves online when he announced his decision to ride out the storm on his sailboat, defying all warnings from authorities.
The Origin of ‘Lieutenant Dan’
Malinowski earned the nickname “Lieutenant Dan” from University of Tampa senior Terrence Concannon, who started posting videos of Joseph’s defiant stance on TikTok. The name is a reference to the veteran amputee character from Forrest Gump, as Joseph had his left leg amputated at age 16 after being hit by a car. Terrence explained to NBC News that the moniker fits the persona Joseph portrays on the social media platform.
In the days leading up to Hurricane Milton, Joseph took to TikTok to explain his rationale for staying put. “I put my faith in God. I don’t put my faith in man,” Joseph said in one of his viral videos. “God told me to come out here and get a boat. I came out here and got a boat. Everything he’s been telling me the last few days, I’m doing the right thing. He got my back. I’m in good shape. I ain’t sweating it.”
A Resilient Stance Amid the Storm
Despite repeated evacuation orders and rescue attempts, Joseph was determined to stay with his boat. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor even announced during a press conference on October 9, 2024, that authorities had temporarily rescued the TikTok star and taken him to a shelter. However, reporters and fans alike found him back on his boat just hours later, seemingly unfazed by the impending danger.
“Dan is not leaving the boat for the hurricane,” Terrence said in another viral video. “People have offered houses, hotel rooms, apartments — he will not leave.”
The Aftermath: Is Lieutenant Dan Safe?
After the storm passed, a group of concerned Tampa residents, including local Monet Rahall, checked in on Joseph. “You made it! I’m so glad you’re safe,” Rahall said, relieved to find the viral star unharmed.
Joseph, who believes divine intervention protected him, raised his arm in triumph and told USA Today, “The hand of God was over Tampa. It wasn’t too bad.”
Support Pours In for ‘Lieutenant Dan’
The viral fame has not only brought attention to Joseph’s defiant story, but also inspired a wave of support. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise funds for Joseph, who lives on his sailboat. As of the time of publication, the fundraiser had already surpassed $40,000.
“We’re rallying together to help our dear friend Lieutenant Dan who lives on a sailboat and embodies the spirit of a true pirate,” the fundraiser’s description reads. “He’s the kindest soul, never asking for anything but always ready to lend a hand. His current vessel has seen better days, and we want to surprise him with a new boat to continue his seafaring adventures.”
In a heartwarming gesture, the campaign noted that any excess funds raised would go toward Joseph’s general livelihood, including groceries, boat furnishings, and possibly even a gym membership — something he’s long hoped for.
As Lieutenant Dan’s story continues to capture hearts online, Joseph Malinowski’s unwavering faith and resilience have turned him into a symbol of defiance in the face of danger.