(SQAUK) — As Hurricane Milton hurtles towards Tampa with winds surpassing 160 mph and life-threatening storm surges, a man known only as “Lieutenant Dan” is grabbing attention for his bold plan to brave the hurricane aboard his modest 24-foot sailboat. “Lieutenant Dan,” whose real name is Joe, earned this nickname from Forrest Gump due to losing his leg in a previous accident. Unlike the fictional Lieutenant Dan, who was stranded in a storm against his will, this Florida man boldly chooses to remain at sea despite mandatory evacuation orders. This decision has sparked concern among many.
Joe, who has gained a large following on TikTok, has been sharing his plans with the world through updates posted by a user named Terrence Concannon. His justification? He believes his boat is the safest place to be. Joe, an experienced sailor who has weathered many storms at sea, including a previous hurricane, is confident in his boat’s ability to withstand the storm. “If you’re on land, it’s going to flood. You’re risking drowning. I’m in a boat, so the boat goes up with the water… it’s really the safest place to be,” Joe claimed. He has even gone as far as to compare his situation to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, asserting that God told him to get the boat and ride out the storm.
Social media reactions have varied from disbelief to concern. Many are worried that Lieutenant Dan is underestimating the hurricane’s power, with some calling for authorities to intervene to save him. The disbelief in the face of such a risky decision underscores the gravity of the situation. Despite multiple attempts by local officials and friends to convince him to evacuate, Joe has refused. The mayor of Tampa issued a dire warning, stating that those who stay in the path of the hurricane are at risk of inevitable death.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, the world awaits to see if Lieutenant Dan’s faith in his sailboat will hold or if this daring decision will turn into a tragic mistake. This potential outcome adds a sense of anticipation to the situation.
