At least 20 people were rescued and brought to the safety of the harbour in Gqeberha after their vessels got into trouble just off the Nelson Mandela Bay coast.
Initial reports are that the crew from three separate vessels were brought into the harbour by National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) officials and a private vessel.
Police and emergency medical services responded, but no serious injuries were reported.
According to a private skipper who assisted in the rescue, one of the vessels was severely damaged and halfway underwater when he assisted the crew.
He said they were wearing diving equipment, but it was unclear what they were doing when they got into trouble.
This is a developing story.
HeraldLIVE
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