What's Happening?
Searchers have discovered the wreck of the Lac La Belle, a luxury steamer that sank in a Lake Michigan gale in 1872. The discovery was made by a team led by Illinois shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn, who found the wreck about 20 miles offshore between Racine
and Kenosha, Wisconsin, in October 2022. The announcement was delayed to include a three-dimensional video model of the ship. The Lac La Belle, built in 1864, was a 217-foot steamer that ran between Cleveland and Lake Superior. It sank after a collision in 1866, was raised and reconditioned, and then sank again in 1872 during a severe gale. The ship was carrying 53 passengers and crew, along with cargo, when it began leaking uncontrollably. Despite efforts to return to Milwaukee, the ship went down, and one lifeboat capsized, killing eight people.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of the Lac La Belle adds to the historical record of Great Lakes maritime disasters and represents the 15th shipwreck located by Paul Ehorn. The Great Lakes are home to an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 shipwrecks, most of which remain undiscovered. This find is significant as it highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve underwater historical sites, which are threatened by invasive species like quagga mussels. The discovery also completes a nearly 60-year quest by Ehorn, who has been searching for the Lac La Belle since 1965. The find underscores the importance of preserving maritime history and the challenges faced by shipwreck hunters in locating these underwater relics.
What's Next?
Paul Ehorn plans to present the discovery at the 2026 Ghost Ships Festival in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The presentation will likely include details of the search process and the significance of the find. The discovery may also prompt further exploration and preservation efforts in the Great Lakes, as many shipwrecks remain undiscovered. Additionally, the find could lead to increased interest in maritime history and the preservation of underwater sites, potentially attracting more resources and attention to the field of shipwreck hunting.
