What's Happening?
Paul Ehorn, a renowned shipwreck hunter from Illinois, has successfully located the Lac La Belle, a passenger steamer that sank in Lake Michigan in 1872. The ship was discovered nearly 150 years after it went down during a stormy night in October. The Lac La Belle, built
in 1864, was a popular steamer that operated between Milwaukee and Grand Haven, Michigan. On its fateful journey, it carried 53 passengers and crew, along with a significant cargo of barley, flour, pork, and whiskey. The ship began to leak uncontrollably two hours into its trip, forcing the captain to attempt a return to Milwaukee. However, worsening weather conditions extinguished the ship's boilers, and it eventually sank. Ehorn's discovery was made possible by a historical clue provided by fellow wreck hunter Ross Richardson, which narrowed down the search area. The wreck was found using side-scan sonar, and despite the passage of time, the ship's hull remains intact.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of the Lac La Belle is significant for maritime history and shipwreck enthusiasts, as it adds to the understanding of Great Lakes shipwrecks. The Lac La Belle is one of the many shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, which are estimated to contain between 6,000 and 10,000 such sites. This find highlights the challenges and dedication involved in shipwreck hunting, as Ehorn has been searching for the Lac La Belle since 1965. The discovery also underscores the impact of invasive species like quagga mussels, which threaten the preservation of underwater wrecks. For historians and researchers, the Lac La Belle offers insights into 19th-century shipbuilding and navigation on the Great Lakes.
What's Next?
Ehorn plans to create a 3D photogrammetry model of the Lac La Belle to document its condition and layout before releasing the exact location of the wreck. This model will serve as a valuable resource for researchers and historians. Ehorn, who has located 15 shipwrecks in his career, will present his findings at the 2026 Ghost Ships Festival in Wisconsin, where he will share video footage and images of the wreck. The discovery may also inspire further searches for other undiscovered shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, as interest in maritime history continues to grow.
