From SABC who state that an exercise was taking place:
December 18, 2007, 17:15
A surf rescue helicopter went into the sea 50m offshore of the Groot Brakrivier. The pilot of the helicopter was slightly injured and was taken to hospital, along with the three other passengers, as a precautionary measure. No members of the public were injured in the incident.
Beachgoers, who were watching the simulated rescue exercise, were astounded when the emergency helicopter crashed into the sea. The pilot had been conducting a routine static line hoist.
Divers then retrieved the craft from the water.
(strong divers to recover the machine without winches or flotation devcies
)
http://www.sabcnews.com/politics/the_parties/0,2172,161112,00.html