No, Court Helicopters were doing the ship servicing. Although Astra Helicopters owned the ex Bristow 58's they were operated by Republic Helicopters supporting oil exploration. Jonny Kluer, Colin Sole were a couple of the pilots I remember that had an association with Bristow. It was Jonny that spent a few hours in the water off Durban after ditching a W55.
When I first went to SA I stayed at the Baragwaneth Flying Club in Jo'burg. In the main hall there was a bust - can't remember who it was - but it was dressed up in goggles, cap and silk scarf and according to the old waiter whose name was Nelson, these items were donated by Sharky Ward during his time there. I'm sure many stories could be told by some people on this forum about these long gone days.
Alan B - didn't you spend some time out there??
Graeme