The New York City Police Department rushed to a helicopter that has crashed in the water.

NEW YORK – A family of five from Spain and their pilot have died after a helicopter crashed in the cold waters of the Hudson River in New York and New Jersey on Thursday afternoon, officials said.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said six people, including their pilot, were onboard the commercial helicopter. The victims include a family from Spain with three children. 

“Our hearts go out to the family of those who are on board, and all six who were on board of the helicopter,” Adams said.

New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the flight by New York Helicopters took off at 2:59 p.m. from the downtown Manhattan airport. Emergency calls about the crash began coming in around 3:17 p.m. for a helicopter in the water near Jersey City. 

A search underway near Jersey City on Thursday, April 10 after a helicopter crash. 

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“The aircraft flew south before turning to fly north along the Manhattan shoreline of the Hudson River. At 3:08 p.m., the helicopter reached the George Washington Bridge and then turned again to fly south along the New Jersey shoreline,” Tisch said. “Shortly thereafter, the aircraft lost control and hit the water just a few feet off the coast of Pier A Park in Hoboken.”

Tisch said NYPD divers pulled four people from the crash site and FDNY divers recovered two more people. Four victims were pronounced dead on scene and two died at local hospitals from their injuries. 

The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft was a Bell 206 helicopter.

Video taken by bystanders showed the helicopter tumbling into the water and debris from the aircraft falling after the crash. 

According to U.S. Geological Survey data, the Hudson River water is about 47 degrees Fahrenheit near Pier 25 in New York.

While the cause of the crash is under investigation, weather likely did not play a significant role. On Thursday afternoon, winds were between 5 and 10 mph. 

The Coast Guard is holding all vessel traffic in the area and has established a safety zone south of Holland Tunnel across the Hudson River. 

A crashed helicopter is seen floating in front of an NYPD boat on the Hudson River on April 10, 2025 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

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“Ferry service will be impacted on the river north of Jersey City,” according to the U.S. Coast Guard. 

According to the New York City Police Department, the area near the West Side Highway and Spring Street is closed for emergency vehicles. Commuters should expect traffic delays in the surrounding areas, the NYPD said. 

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. 

Check back for updates on this developing story.