Uncovering the Mysteries of the Great Lakes: The Discovery of the Lac La Belle Shipwreck
A team of shipwreck hunters recently discovered the wreck of the Lac La Belle, a luxury steamer that sank in Lake Michigan during a storm in the late 19th century. Led by Illinois shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn, the team located the wreck about 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin, in October 2022. Ehorn, who has been searching for shipwrecks since he was 15 years old, used side-scan sonar to find the ship after receiving a clue from fellow wreck hunter Ross Richardson in 2022. The discovery marked a significant achievement for Ehorn and his team, who have been trying to pinpoint the Lac La Belle's location for nearly 60 years.
The Lac La Belle was built in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio, and operated as a steamer between Cleveland and Lake Superior. The ship sank in the St. Clair River in 1866 after a collision but was raised and reconditioned in 1869. On the night of October 13, 1872, the Lac La Belle departed from Milwaukee bound for Grand Haven, Michigan, carrying 53 passengers, crew, and a cargo of barley, pork, flour, and whiskey. However, the ship began to leak uncontrollably two hours into the journey, forcing the captain to turn back to Milwaukee. Despite the crew's efforts, the ship succumbed to the storm, with the captain eventually ordering the lifeboats to be lowered before the ship sank stern first. Tragically, eight people lost their lives when one of the lifeboats capsized on the way to shore.
The wreck of the Lac La Belle, now covered with quagga mussels on the exterior and missing its upper cabins, remains largely intact with its oak interiors still in good condition. Shipwreck hunters have been increasingly active in searching the Great Lakes for wrecks, driven by concerns that invasive species like quagga mussels are damaging these historical sites. The Lac La Belle is the 15th shipwreck that Ehorn has located, adding to his impressive list of discoveries. As he continues his search for more wrecks, Ehorn acknowledges the challenges of finding remaining undiscovered ships in the Great Lakes.
The discovery of the Lac La Belle represents a significant milestone for shipwreck hunters like Paul Ehorn, who have dedicated their lives to uncovering the mysteries of the Great Lakes. With thousands of shipwrecks still waiting to be found beneath the waters, the quest for these historical artifacts continues to captivate and challenge those who seek to preserve the maritime history of the region.