On Saturday, March 21, Bruce’s Legacy received a call from the Eau Claire Fire Department requesting assistance with a vehicle recovery in the Chippewa River. It was believed that 21-year-old Chloe Zielke, a UW-Eau Claire student, was inside the vehicle.
Our team, consisting of Nick G., Bob C., and myself (Keith), traveled immediately to Eau Claire. Upon arrival, we were met a river that was running high with a current flowing at 10-12 knots. Far too fast to safely deploy divers. While the Fire Department had successfully located the vehicle using sonar, our ROV confirmed the car was upside down, complicating the recovery.
We attempted to secure the vehicle using a hook and rope, but the sheer force of the current made it impossible. The Fire Department even fabricated a heavy-duty hook on-site and spent the remainder of the day trying to make a connection, but without success.
We returned on Tuesday with a specialized plan and new equipment. Nick, an incredibly talented fabricator, created a custom hook specifically for this scenario. However, the riverbed presented another challenge: the gravel bottom and high current speed made traditional anchoring impossible.
To stabilize our position, we utilized a three-point tie-off to the shore, requiring nearly 1,000 feet of rope. This setup allowed us to maneuver the boat into the exact position necessary to access the vehicle in 22 feet of water.
Success relied on precision and partnership. We coordinated with the local dam operators to hold back the river’s flow. With a camera positioned near Nick’s hook, Dave W. guided Bob C. to hold the boat’s position with pinpoint accuracy. This teamwork allowed Nick to successfully thread the hook through the vehicle’s A-arm.
Once secured, a wrecker was able to remove the vehicle from the river, and we were able to recover Chloe.
Chloe’s family members went out of their way to come to the boat landing afterwards to share with us what it meant to have her back. Moments like that are the exact reason Bruce’s Legacy exists.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Chloe’s family and friends.
