Lieutenant Dan has survived!
Yes, the viral sensation, real name is Joseph Malinowski, made it through the worst Hurricane Milton had to offer… on his sailboat… AT THE DOCK!
The Florida resident went this month after TikTok influencer Tampa Terrence began posting videos of him and his situation amid the state’s extreme weather events. If the nickname name rings a bell, it’s because it’s actually the name of the fictional character from Forrest Gump who loses his legs — as the real-life “Dan” is an amputee, himself.
Related: Anderson Cooper Gets SLAMMED By Flying Debris During Hurricane Milton Live On TV!
He’s what the Tampa Terrence has described as a “modern-day pirate” living aboard his 20-ft sailboat in Tampa — REFUSING to evacuate amid the deadly hurricane storms. In one TikTok, he explained his reasoning behind refusing to clear the area:
“My faith in God. God told me to come out here and get a boat. I came out here and got a boat. He’s been telling me in the last two days I’m doing the right thing. He’s got my back. I’m in good shape. We’re gonna ride this one out.”
@terrenceconcannon @JoeSea on why he wont leave the boat
He quickly began attracting attention online, to the point where Tampa Terrence launched a GoFundMe for him to “rally together” financial support to get him a new boat so he can “continue his seafaring adventures.”
In one video, Dan explains he was supporting himself with the help of social security, but after 22 years he was declared “no longer disabled,” so he now has “no income.” So talking about his GoFundMe, he told viewers:
“Tithe is your 10 percent — instead of giving it to the church, give it to me.”
See (below):
@terrenceconcannon Lets get Dan a new boat! He needs his sea legs back! #LieutenantDan #buzzing
As of now, his GoFundMe has surpassed $42,000! Wow!
Oof… We certainly feel for Lt. Dan amid his situation. But please don’t try this at home! It should be noted he certainly got VERY lucky surviving the hurricane after refusing to leave, which we do NOT recommend. Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
[Images via Tampa Terrence/TikTok]
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