Historic Discovery in Lake Michigan
The long-lost wreck of the Lac La Belle, a luxury passenger steamer that sank in Lake Michigan in 1872, has been discovered more than 150 years after its demise. Illinois shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn and his team located the vessel in October 2022, culminating a search that spanned nearly 60 years. The discovery was officially announced by Shipwreck World on Friday, February 13, 2026, following a delay to allow for the creation of a three-dimensional video model of the site.
The Search and Location
Paul Ehorn, now 80 years old, began his quest to find the Lac La Belle in 1965. His efforts were significantly aided in 2022 by a crucial clue provided by fellow wreck hunter and author Ross Richardson, which helped narrow the extensive search grid. Using side-scan sonar, Ehorn's team located the wreck within just two hours of searching in the refined area. The steamer lies approximately 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The Ill-Fated Voyage of the Lac La Belle
Built in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio, the 217-foot (66-meter) Lac La Belle was a prominent passenger steamer, initially operating routes between Cleveland and Lake Superior. The vessel had a history of incidents, including sinking in the St. Clair River in 1866 after a collision, only to be raised and reconditioned in 1869. Its final voyage began on the night of October 13, 1872, when it departed Milwaukee for Grand Haven, Michigan, carrying 53 passengers and crew. During a severe gale, the ship began leaking uncontrollably. Despite the captain's attempt to return to Milwaukee, massive waves extinguished the boilers, and the ship was driven south. Around 5 a.m., the captain ordered lifeboats lowered, and the Lac La Belle sank stern-first. One lifeboat capsized in the heavy seas, resulting in 8 fatalities.
Condition and Historical Significance
Despite being submerged for over a century and a half, the wreck of the Lac La Belle is remarkably intact. While its upper cabins are gone and the exterior is covered with invasive quagga mussels, the hull and oak interiors remain well-preserved. This discovery adds to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, which are estimated to hold between 6,000 and 10,000 shipwrecks, many of which are yet to be found. The ongoing efforts of shipwreck hunters like Paul Ehorn provide invaluable insights into 19th-century seafaring and the challenges faced by early steamship travelers.
2 Comments
Muchacha
Preserving our past is so important. This wreck offers a unique window into 19th-century life.
Mariposa
The fact that the wreck is remarkably intact after 150 years offers invaluable insights into 19th-century shipbuilding and seafaring technology. Yet, the article also highlights the presence of invasive quagga mussels, reminding us of the ongoing ecological challenges facing the Great Lakes that also need significant attention.