Joseph Malinowski, also known as “Lieutenant Dan”, made headlines as he refused to leave his sailboat in Tampa Bay during Hurricane Milton, despite the storm reaching Category 3 status with 120 mph winds. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor claimed that Malinowski had been rescued by the police and taken to a shelter, but he was later spotted on his boat by a reporter. Malinowski, following in the footsteps of the character from “Forrest Gump”, remained on his boat throughout the storm, believing it was the safest place for him to be.
Despite Mayor Castor’s assertions, Malinowski was seen on his sailboat during the hurricane, indicating that he had not been rescued or taken to a shelter. A news correspondent, Brian Entin, tweeted a photo of Malinowski as proof that he was still aboard his boat. Entin went back to check on Malinowski after the hurricane had passed and found him safe and unharmed, despite the storm surge causing low water levels in Tampa Bay. Malinowski remained defiant in his decision to stay on his boat during the storm, confident that it was the best place for him to weather the hurricane.
During a livestream with TikTokers, Malinowski shared his experience of being on his sailboat during Hurricane Milton. He described the strong winds and the boat hitting the wall a few times, but remained upbeat and unharmed. TikTokers launched a GoFundMe to support Malinowski, who was still on his boat despite Mayor Castor’s insistence that he had been evacuated. Malinowski believed that staying on his boat was the safest option for him during the storm, comparing it to Noah’s Ark and stating that as long as the water stayed out of the boat, he would be fine.
Malinowski’s determination to stay on his sailboat during Hurricane Milton garnered attention and support from social media users. Despite the dangers posed by the storm, he remained adamant that staying on the boat was his best choice. He referenced historical examples such as Noah’s Ark to support his decision, believing that he would be safe as long as the water did not flood his boat. Malinowski’s resilience and refusal to evacuate drew admiration from some, while others expressed concern for his safety during the powerful storm.
As Hurricane Milton made landfall, Malinowski’s decision to remain on his sailboat in Tampa Bay raised questions about the risks and consequences of staying in such a vulnerable position during a powerful storm. While Mayor Castor urged residents to evacuate and seek shelter, Malinowski chose to defy these warnings and stay on his boat. Despite the dangers and uncertainties surrounding the storm, Malinowski’s determination to weather the hurricane on his own terms reflected his courage and independence in the face of adversity. Whether his decision was reckless or brave remains a topic of debate among those who followed his story during Hurricane Milton.
