Herman Sandersen South Africa

Hey guys! I am having a really hard time researching my great, great grandfather. He was born around 1876 (I know his death date and age at death, because of his headstone). His name as far as I know was Herman Sandersen (sometimes spelled Saundersen and sometimes Sanderson). All I know is that he was Norwegian and he came to South Africa on a ship. He ended up in East London, South Africa, but the family story says that wasn't his original destination - he fell in love with a Dutch girl who lived in East London, and when the ship left, he jumped off and swam ashore to be with her. I have no idea how true the story is, but that's what has been passed down. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!