NEW YORK, (Reuters) – A pilot on a Continental Airlines flight died in mid-flight and the plane landed safely near New York City under the control of two co-pilots, authorities said yesterday.

Continental flight 61 from Brussels landed at Newark  Liberty International Airport, according to Continental’s  website.

“The captain of Continental flight 61, which was en route  from Brussels to Newark, died in flight, apparently of natural  causes,” Continental said in a statement.

“The crew on this flight included an additional relief  pilot who took the place of the deceased pilot. The flight  continued safely with two pilots at the controls,” it said.

The plane was a Boeing 777 with 247 passengers on board.

The pilot, 60, was based in Newark and had worked for  Continental for 32 years, the airline said. Continental has one  flight daily between Brussels and Newark.