Historic Shipwreck of Lac La Belle Unearthed
A long-lost luxury steamer, the Lac La Belle, has been rediscovered in Lake Michigan, over 150 years after its tragic sinking. The vessel, which went down on October 13, 1872, was located by shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn and his team in October 2022, but the announcement of this significant find was delayed until now. Stunning underwater images of the ship have finally been revealed, showcasing its remarkable condition despite decades beneath the waves.
Details of the Lac La Belle’s Sinking
The Lac La Belle, a 217-foot steamer, embarked on a journey from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, Michigan, carrying 53 passengers and crew. Just two hours into the voyage, the ship began taking on water, prompting the captain to attempt a return to Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the vessel encountered large waves that extinguished its boilers, leading to a chaotic evacuation. Lifeboats were deployed, but one capsized, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals.
Built in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1864, the Lac La Belle met its fate in the turbulent waters of Lake Michigan. It was rediscovered approximately 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin. Ehorn, who has been passionate about locating the ship since he was a teenager, shared that the hull and oak interiors remain in excellent condition, despite the ship’s long submersion. The team had postponed the announcement to create a three-dimensional video model of the ship, which they captured last summer after delays due to poor weather conditions.
After decades underwater, the ship’s exterior is now covered in quagga mussels, and its upper cabins have deteriorated. Ehorn credited a clue from fellow shipwreck hunter Ross Richardson for helping him narrow down the search area. Utilizing side-scan sonar, Ehorn’s team located the ship within just two hours of searching.
Future Plans and Presentations
The Lac La Belle is the 15th shipwreck discovered by Ehorn, who expressed excitement about the find and is already looking forward to his next search. He plans to present the details of this significant discovery at the 2026 Ghost Ship Festival in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on March 7. During the event, Ehorn will showcase the anticipated underwater video and share insights into the journey that led to the ship’s rediscovery.
This remarkable find not only sheds light on maritime history but also highlights the ongoing efforts of shipwreck hunters dedicated to uncovering the stories of lost vessels. The Lac La Belle’s rediscovery serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes in the 19th century.
