Historic Shipwreck Lac La Belle Discovered in Lake Michigan
The Lac La Belle, a luxurious passenger steamer that sank over 150 years ago, has been rediscovered in the depths of Lake Michigan, approximately 20 miles off Racine. The ship went down during a fierce storm in October 1872, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives. This significant find was made by shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn, who has a history of uncovering lost vessels.
Stormy Fate of the Lac La Belle
Constructed in 1864 in Cleveland, the Lac La Belle was a pioneering vessel, notable for being one of the first propeller ships on the Great Lakes equipped with twin stacks. Initially serving as a passenger steamer, it was later converted into a bulk freighter after a sinking incident in 1866. On the night of October 13, 1872, the ship departed Milwaukee loaded with a cargo that included barley, flour, pork, whiskey, and animal feed, bound for Grand Haven, Michigan.
However, disaster struck just two hours into the journey when the ship began taking on water. The cause of the leak remains unknown, prompting the captain to turn back to Milwaukee. Unfortunately, the situation worsened as gale-force winds from the north intensified, extinguishing the ship’s boilers and leaving it vulnerable to the elements. In a desperate attempt to save the passengers and crew, the captain ordered the lifeboats lowered. Tragically, only one lifeboat made it to shore safely, while another capsized, resulting in the loss of eight lives.
A Long-Awaited Discovery
The Lac La Belle had long been a coveted target for shipwreck hunters, but its exact resting place remained a mystery for years. Ehorn, along with maritime historian Bruce Bittner, utilized sonar technology to locate the ship after extensive research. Ehorn expressed his excitement upon the discovery, stating, “I anticipated searching for a few weeks. I got lucky and had a lot of research.”
The shipwreck community is buzzing with interest as Ehorn plans to present his findings at the 2026 Ghost Ships Festival in Manitowoc, where he will showcase underwater footage of the wreck. Additionally, he aims to create a detailed 3D photogrammetry model of the site before revealing its precise location. The recent surge in shipwreck discoveries in the Great Lakes can be attributed to shifting water levels and advancements in technology, making this find even more significant. Ehorn likened the search for shipwrecks to an “Easter egg hunt,” emphasizing the thrill of uncovering history beneath the waves.
