Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: 1928 Chevrolet
- Type: Modified Vehicle
- Year Built: 1928
- Builder: Chevrolet
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Depth at Wreck Site: 18 m / 60 ft
- Location: St. Lawrence River, between Morristown, New York, and Brockville, Ontario
- Coordinates: [Exact coordinates needed]
- Original Owners: Harold Steele
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vehicle Type: 1928 Chevrolet, modified for ice road use
Description
The sunken 1928 Chevrolet represents a unique example of early 20th-century vehicle modification adapted to winter travel. Originally a durable and popular model, this Chevrolet was re-engineered by Harold Steele for use on ice roads, underscoring the ingenuity required for traversing frozen rivers. Vehicles like Steele’s Chevrolet were not uncommon for transporting goods across ice in the St. Lawrence region during the winter. However, unlike modern vehicles designed for varied terrains, early Chevrolets were not initially built to withstand such harsh conditions, requiring modifications to ensure safe and efficient winter passage.
Modifications
Steele’s Chevrolet was specially adapted to withstand the challenges of frozen terrain. Typical modifications likely included reinforced skis or runners beneath the wheels, enhancing its ability to glide across the ice and reducing the likelihood of breaking through. Additionally, the vehicle featured a rumble seat, expanding cargo capacity and allowing Steele to transport both mail and small goods. These practical additions highlight the creativity required for winter travel in an era without specialized vehicles for icy conditions.
History
The Tragic Incident
In the winter of 1941, Steele set out on what should have been a routine journey across the St. Lawrence River. As he crossed the frozen waterway between Morristown, New York, and Brockville, Ontario, the ice unexpectedly gave way beneath the car. Steele managed to free himself from the vehicle before it submerged but was left stranded on the fragile ice. Using his quick thinking, he pressed his mittens into the ice to secure his grip, pulling himself to safety. Although Steele survived, his Chevrolet was lost to the depths of the St. Lawrence River, sinking rapidly with its cargo.
Significant Incidents
Dive Site Overview
The wreck site of Steele’s Chevrolet provides a fascinating window into a bygone era of winter travel innovation and the inherent risks of early ice roads. For divers, the Chevrolet offers a unique historical artifact, its intact structure and customizations a testament to the harsh realities faced by travelers on ice roads during the early 1900s.
Final Disposition
Estimated Depth & Condition
The Chevrolet is believed to rest at around 60 feet (18 meters) in depth. Given the cold, fresh waters of the St. Lawrence, there is a chance the vehicle remains preserved and intact, providing a rare, historical artifact frozen in time under the river’s surface. However, exact coordinates and conditions of the vehicle have not been documented in recent records.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Safety Considerations
- Experience Level: This dive is recommended for experienced divers due to the cold water, depth, and strong currents.
- Local Regulations: Divers should observe local guidelines to protect the historical site and ensure safe exploration. Consulting local dive shops or historical diving societies before the dive is recommended.
Resources & Links
References are being reviewed for this wreck.
The story of Harold Steele’s modified Chevrolet, now resting beneath the icy waters of the St. Lawrence River, captures the innovation, survival, and risks of early winter travel across the Great Lakes region. The dive site offers both history enthusiasts and divers a rare chance to connect with a time when ice roads were essential for keeping isolated communities connected. As an enduring symbol of human ingenuity and resilience, the submerged Chevrolet offers a glimpse into the resourceful lives of early 20th-century travelers who braved these challenging conditions.
Whether you’re a diver or history enthusiast, exploring this site offers a tangible link to a world where individuals adapted their vehicles, and often their lives, to the environment’s demands.