During the storm, Malinowski participated in a livestream, reporting strong winds and sharing updates with his followers, while also discussing plans for his boat.

Malinowski has built a substantial following on social media, with nearly 500,000 TikTok followers supporting his choice to remain on his boat during the storm.

Despite repeated attempts by local authorities to persuade him to evacuate, Malinowski remained resolute, expressing confidence in his survival skills and stating, 'I have no fear' of the storm.

Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm on October 9, 2024, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene just weeks earlier.

Although Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced that Malinowski had been rescued and taken to a shelter, he refuted this claim, insisting he was still aboard his boat.

Controversial streamer Adin Ross offered to buy Malinowski a new boat and proposed a streaming deal during a livestream, pledging up to $100,000 for his adventures.

Amid ongoing legal questions regarding the ownership of his sailboat, Malinowski is scheduled to appear in state court later this month.

Joseph Malinowski, a 54-year-old TikTok star known as 'Lieutenant Dan,' chose to ride out Hurricane Milton on his 22-foot sailboat in Tampa Bay, defying evacuation orders.

His decision to stay at sea gained significant attention, with a TikTok video about it amassing approximately 43 million views, raising concerns among local officials.

Reflecting on his experience, Malinowski described the storm as challenging but felt protected through meditation and prayer.

He defended his choice to stay on the boat by referencing the biblical story of Noah, claiming it was safer than being on land during a flood.

A University of Tampa student, Terrence Concannon, helped raise Malinowski's profile on social media, leading to significant support and fundraising efforts.