What's happened
Joseph Malinowski, dubbed 'Lieutenant Dan,' gained fame for riding out Hurricane Milton on his sailboat. Despite authorities' evacuation orders, he remained on his boat during the storm, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. He was later rescued by the Coast Guard after enduring severe conditions.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Joseph Malinowski, known as 'Lieutenant Dan,' gained notoriety for his decision to ride out Hurricane Milton on his sailboat, despite evacuation orders. His story resonated widely, with many expressing support on social media. The Guardian reported on his dramatic rescue by the Coast Guard, emphasizing the severe conditions he faced, including winds of 75-90 mph and 25-foot waves. Metro highlighted the broader impact of Hurricane Milton, which resulted in significant destruction and loss of life across Florida, raising concerns about the effectiveness of evacuation protocols. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complexities of individual choices during natural disasters and the responsibilities of authorities in ensuring public safety.
How we got here
Hurricane Milton struck Florida's west-central coast on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 storm, prompting mandatory evacuations. Joseph Malinowski, living on a 20-foot sailboat, chose to stay despite warnings, gaining significant media attention and public support.
Common question
-
How Did Lieutenant Dan Survive Hurricane Milton?
Lieutenant Dan, also known as Joseph Malinowski, became a viral sensation after surviving Hurricane Milton aboard his sailboat near Longboat Key, Florida. His story raises important questions about survival, preparation, and the risks of staying at sea during a hurricane. Here are some common questions people have about his experience and the impacts of Hurricane Milton.
More on these topics
-
Hurricane Milton is an active tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico currently approaching the Yucatán Peninsula. The thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, and fourth major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Milton formed from a long...
-
Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. With a population of over 21 million, Florida is the third-most populous and the 22nd-most extensive of the 50 United States.
-
Ronald "Ron" Dion DeSantis is an American attorney, naval officer, and Republican politician. He has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019, and he represented Florida's 6th congressional district in Congress from 2013 to 2018.
-
The United States Coast Guard is the coastal defense, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the country's eight uniformed services.
-
Jane Castor is an American politician and former police chief serving as the 59th mayor of Tampa, Florida. She was the first woman and first openly gay person to serve as Chief of Police of the Tampa Police Department from 2009 to 2015.