Luxury Steamer Wreck Discovered in Lake Michigan After 150 Years

A recent discovery has brought to light the wreck of a luxurious steamer, the Lac La Belle, which sank in Lake Michigan’s turbulent waters over 150 years ago. This significant find was announced by Shipwreck World, a group focusing on locating shipwrecks globally.

Discovery Details

The wreck was located approximately 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin, by a team led by seasoned shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn. The discovery occurred in October 2022, culminating a search effort that has been ongoing for nearly 60 years.

Paul Ehorn, now 80 years old, began his quest to find the Lac La Belle in 1965. He utilized side-scan sonar technology to identify the wreck after receiving a crucial tip from fellow hunter Ross Richardson in 2022, which helped narrow his search area. Remarkably, it took just two hours of scanning on the lake to find the ship.

Historical Context

• Ship Build: Built in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Specifications: 217 feet long (66 meters).
• Service Route: Operated between Cleveland and Lake Superior.
• Sinking Incident: Sank on October 13, 1872, during a gale, carrying 53 individuals.
• Fatalities: Eight people died when a lifeboat capsized while escaping the sinking vessel.

Initially, the Lac La Belle sank after colliding with another vessel in the St. Clair River in 1866. It was raised and refurbished in 1869 before its ill-fated journey in 1872. The ship’s last voyage ended tragically due to harsh weather that crippled its operations.

Condition of the Wreck

Upon discovery, the wreck was found to be covered in quagga mussels, which have become an invasive species in the Great Lakes. While the ship’s upper cabins have eroded, the hull remains largely intact, and the oak interiors are in surprisingly good condition. This is significant given the ongoing concerns about the preservation of shipwrecks in the area.

Ongoing Efforts in Shipwreck Exploration

The discovery of the Lac La Belle marks Ehorn’s 15th shipwreck identified, reflecting his dedication to marine archaeology. He noted the increasing difficulty in locating shipwrecks as many of the more accessible finds have already been made.

According to data from the Wisconsin Water Library, the Great Lakes harbor between 6,000 and 10,000 shipwrecks, with the majority still awaiting discovery. The urgency in shipwreck exploration has intensified, driven by the threat posed by invasive species like quagga mussels, which can damage these historic sites.

As Ehorn continues his explorations, he remains hopeful about uncovering more lost vessels. “One more to check off the list,” he remarked, expressing enthusiasm for future discoveries.