New York: A sightseeing helicopter carrying six people, including three children, crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon, killing everyone on board and prompting a major water rescue operation, authorities confirmed.

The victims included the pilot and a visiting family from Spain. Two passengers were initially rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said during a press briefing.

"At this time, all six victims have been removed from the water. And sadly, all six victims have been pronounced deceased," Adams stated, calling the incident a “heartbreaking and tragic crash.”

The aircraft, identified as a Bell 206 helicopter, had departed from the downtown Manhattan Skyport at around 3:00 p.m. and was on a sightseeing route. It flew south, circled around Manhattan to the George Washington Bridge, and was returning downtown when it lost control and plunged into the river near a Hoboken pier.

Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the helicopter spiraled out of control. Fashion designer Belle Angel, who saw the crash unfold, told AFP, “It looked like the rotor blade shattered in the sky. After that, the helicopter just started spiraling and crashed into the water.”

Emergency crews from both New York and New Jersey, including NYPD, FDNY, and marine units, quickly responded to the scene. Divers pulled the victims from the submerged wreckage — four were recovered by NYPD, while FDNY divers rescued the remaining two.

“Immediate lifesaving efforts were made on board rescue vessels and at the adjacent pier,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “Four were declared dead at the scene. Two others were transported to local hospitals, where they were later pronounced dead.”

The helicopter's skids could be seen protruding from the surface of the river near a tunnel vent as rescue boats surrounded the crash site. Floatation devices were also observed on the wreckage.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the crash. AFP