Five people reportedly were able to free themselves from a tanker docked at 67 Flushing Ave. Firefighters had to use high-angle rescue techniques that included ropes to remove the sixth trapped worker.
The sixth worker was pulled from the hole after being trapped for about an hour. He was taken to Brooklyn Hospital, where he later died.
Rescue workers attempted CPR for about 15 minutes.
Hazmat crews were brought in to check the ship to be sure that the rescuers themselves didn't become trapped.