An Indian national marine pilot has been seriously injured in a helicopter crash at Richards Bay, about 150 km north of Durban.
Ashwani Pathak, who works for the South African National Port Authority, was being transported from a boat to the harbour headquarters in the helicopter on Saturday when it crashed after one of its blades hit a vessel, police spokesperson Rene van der Westhuizen said on Sunday.
"The pilot John Basson and Pathak have been taken to the Bay Hospital in the town," she said.
"Basson is out of danger but Pathak is in a serious condition in the ICU. He has suffered suspected spinal fracture, punctured lungs and cracked ribs", she said.
Ports Manager at Richards Bay, Hlubi Nzamo said he would only be able to release information about staff of the Ports Authority once he gets the "legal clearance".
"We will issue a statement soon about the incident and the people injured", he said.
It's now known how long Pathak, who is living with his wife at Richards Bay, has been working for the South African National Ports Authority.