A drone operator from New Jersey captured a stunning video of wrecked boats off Staten Island in New York City on 5 November. Chad Aaronson, 38, said he enjoys exploring abandoned locations and attractions.

Aaronson said he was intrigued by the wrecks that lie some 213 metres off the Staten Island coast in Arthur Kill, the water separating New York and New Jersey. What particularly attracted him to the wrecks was the fact they would have been so well-cared for in the past, but were now left to rot, he said.

According to local media outlet WNYC, abandoned ships have been left in Arthur Kill for breaking down and recycling for their metal pieces since the 1930s. It has attracted consistent attention from artists and media over the years, with even a documentary being made about the site in 2013.

Full video at YouTube

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