PJM Rescue Boat Completes Challenging Overnight Medical Evacuation on Lake Kariba
On the evening of 10 June 2026, at 19:56 hrs, the PJM Control Room received a distress call from a non-PJM member houseboat owner reporting that a crew member was experiencing severe respiratory difficulties and urgently required oxygen and medical assistance.
The PJM Rescue Team was immediately activated. A rescue crew consisting of the captain, rescue personnel, and a medical doctor was assembled and deployed with a fully equipped rescue vessel carrying emergency medical equipment, oxygen cylinders, and an oxygen concentrator.
Weather conditions at the time of departure were fair. After locating the houseboat in the Gordon’s Bay area, the patient was assessed and stabilised by the medical team. Due to the seriousness of the condition, the patient was transferred onto the PJM Rescue Boat stretcher for evacuation to Kariba, where further medical treatment could be provided on the mainland.
At 23:32 hrs, the PJM Rescue Boat departed Gordon’s Bay with the patient onboard. During the return journey, weather conditions deteriorated significantly, with strong winds and heavy waves creating unsafe operating conditions. In the interests of crew and patient safety, the captain made the decision to divert to Long Island and seek shelter until conditions improved.
Throughout the night, the patient remained stable and continued receiving oxygen therapy via the onboard oxygen concentrator while under the care of the attending doctor and rescue crew.
After waiting for the weather to moderate during the early hours of the morning, the rescue team resumed the journey to Kariba. The vessel arrived safely at Marineland at 05:35 hrs, where the patient was transferred to a local medical facility accompanied by the doctor for further treatment.
This incident highlights the professionalism, dedication, and sound decision-making of the PJM Rescue Team. While the urgency of the medical situation required rapid action, safety remained the overriding priority throughout the operation.
We congratulate the entire PJM team on a successful rescue mission conducted under challenging conditions.
A Reminder to Houseboat Owners
This rescue was provided to a non-PJM member on a commercial-rate basis. Emergency rescue and medical evacuation costs can far exceed the annual PJM Houseboat Membership fee of just USD 725 per annum, which covers all passengers, guests, and crew onboard the registered vessel.
We strongly encourage all houseboat owners operating on Lake Kariba to maintain current PJM membership to ensure immediate access to emergency assistance when required.
Essential Emergency Equipment
PJM also reminds all houseboat owners to regularly inspect and maintain their onboard emergency equipment. Every vessel should carry, at a minimum:
- A fully stocked first aid kit
- A minimum of four serviced 9kg fire extinguishers
- A functional ship-to-shore radio
- A hooter or emergency horn
- A reliable working torch or spotlight
In an emergency, these items can make a critical difference while awaiting assistance.
For more information about PJM Houseboat Membership and emergency response services, visit www.pjmresponse.com.