What's Happening?
The wreck of the Lac La Belle, a luxury steamer that sank in Lake Michigan in 1872, has been discovered by a team led by shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn. The ship was found 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin. The discovery was made using
side-scan sonar, aided by a clue from fellow wreck hunter Ross Richardson. The Lac La Belle sank during a gale with 53 passengers and crew on board, resulting in eight fatalities. The ship's hull remains intact, though covered with quagga mussels.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of the Lac La Belle adds to the historical understanding of maritime activities on the Great Lakes and highlights the ongoing interest in shipwreck exploration. This find contributes to the preservation of maritime history and may attract attention from historians, archaeologists, and the public. The discovery also underscores the challenges posed by invasive species like quagga mussels, which threaten the preservation of underwater cultural heritage.
