If you’ve been scrolling through #TampaTok during Hurricane Milton, you might have stumbled upon Joe Malinowski, known on social media as “Lt. Dan.”

At 54 years old, Malinowski was determined to ride out the storm on his 22-foot sailboat. While many residents evacuated Florida to flee the approaching storm, Malinowski chose to stay put.

He reported no issues during the hurricane, even raising his hand in victory as the sun rose over Tampa Bay.

The tattooed sailor had been live-streaming his experiences aboard the Seashell for several days, catching media attention for his decision to remain anchored in the harbor as Milton approached. “The hand of God was over Tampa,” Malinowski remarked Thursday morning. “It wasn’t too bad.”

Local Residents Show Concern for Malinowski After the Storm: ‘You Made It’

On Thursday morning, more and more Tampa residents flocked to Bayshore Boulevard to check on Malinowski, who got his “Lt. Dan” nickname from a character in Forrest Gump who also has a disability. He is missing his lower left leg. “You made it! I’m so thankful you’re safe,” called out Tampa local Monet Rahall, 28, from the street. Rahall wanted to see Malinowski in person after watching his videos from her home during the storm. “He’s a legend,” she said. “I saw him online and just had to come meet him.”

Before the Storm

Malinowski’s story gained traction through a series of TikTok videos made by creator Tampa Terrence, where he discussed his choice to stay on his boat.

“I trust in God, not in man,” he stated. “God told me to get a boat, and I did. Everything He has been guiding me to do has felt right. He’s got my back. I’m in great shape. I’m not worried.”

According to Tampa radio station WUFT, Malinowski has a history that includes various criminal charges, like assaulting a police officer and aggravated battery involving a woman.

Many comments online criticized his decision, with one user stating, “It’s a life-or-death situation.”

Experts and local authorities emphasized the necessity for residents to seek safety from the dangerous storm.

“I can say with no exaggeration: If you choose to stay in an evacuation zone, you are risking your life,” warned Tampa Mayor Jane Castor during an interview with CNN.

Malinowski Reportedly Rescued But Quickly Returned to His Boat

In an updated TikTok video, local police were seen trying to persuade Malinowski to evacuate.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Mayor Castor announced that officers had successfully removed him and taken him to a shelter, according to WFLA. However, reporters later found him back on his boat hours afterward.

“Dan is not leaving the boat during the hurricane. He is committed to staying on that boat. Many have offered him shelter, but he refuses,” Tampa Terrence explained in a video.

Malinowski is Going Viral with Millions of Views

Joe Malinowski boasts over 550,000 followers on TikTok at the time of writing, with his most recent video approaching 6 million views.

A user known as Tampa Terrence has set up a GoFundMe page titled “Support Lieutenant Dan’s Seafaring Dreams,” which has gathered over $37,000 to date.

“His current boat has seen better days, so we want to surprise him with a new vessel to support his maritime adventures,” reads the GoFundMe description. “Let’s unite and show our encouragement for this contemporary pirate by helping him acquire a new ship to navigate the oceans!”