Tampa Man Dubbed ‘Lieutenant Dan’ Survives Hurricane Milton on Sailboat

A Tampa resident known as “Lieutenant Dan” on social media has safely endured the wrath of Hurricane Milton on his 20-foot sailboat. The individual, whose real name is Joseph Malinowski, gained widespread attention following his decision to confront the powerful storm from aboard his vessel, despite multiple evacuation offers from authorities and concerned citizens.

Reports emerging from local media, including a video posted by FOX 13 News anchor Kevin O’Donnell, confirm Malinowski’s survival. O’Donnell shared footage on the platform X, formerly Twitter, where Malinowski nonchalantly reported through the lens of a camera, “I’m doing fine.”

Throughout the storm’s duration, journalist Brian Entin captured and shared interactions with Malinowski, showcasing his calm demeanor as he weathered the hurricane’s impact on his boat. “I’m fine,” Malinowski assured as he emerged from the cabin of his sailboat.

Malinowski had publicly declared his intention to face the hurricane due to what he described as his faith in divine protection. “My faith in God,” he explained in a video post by Terrence Concannon, “He’s got my back. We’re gonna ride this one out.” Despite the severity of the situation, with heavy winds and a significant storm surge, Malinowski stood firm in his decision to remain on the water.

Malinowski’s story has also brought newfound scrutiny to his past legal issues, including a one-year prison sentence related to assault on a police officer and a 2023 incident involving allegations of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, which was later dropped.

In the aftermath of his social media fame, a fundraising effort initiated by Concannon to replace Malinowski’s boat has raised over $39,000, reflecting a mix of public support and concern for his welfare.

As “Lieutenant Dan” navigated the storm and its aftermath, his journey was closely monitored by both mainstream media and social platforms. His resolve to face the storm aboard his sailboat and the subsequent viral attention underscore the intersection of personal faith, resilience, and the spotlight of media attention.