Full Breakdown
Discovery of the Lac La Belle Shipwreck in Lake Michigan
2/15/2026, 9:03:30 PM
Historic Shipwreck Located After Decades of Search
A team of searchers has successfully located the wreck of the Lac La Belle, a luxury steamer that sank in Lake Michigan over 150 years ago. The discovery was announced by Shipwreck World, a group dedicated to locating shipwrecks globally, and was led by Illinois shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn. The wreck was found approximately 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin, in October 2022, concluding a search that began in 1965. Ehorn, who has been involved in shipwreck hunting since he was 15, utilized side-scan sonar technology to identify the wreck after narrowing down the search area based on a clue from fellow shipwreck hunter Ross Richardson.
The Tragic History of the Lac La Belle
The Lac La Belle was constructed in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio, and was primarily used for transporting passengers and cargo across the Great Lakes. On October 13, 1872, while en route from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, the ship encountered a severe gale that caused it to take on water. The captain attempted to return to Milwaukee, but the storm's intensity forced the ship southward. Ultimately, it sank stern first, leading to the loss of eight lives when one of the lifeboats capsized. The remaining lifeboats managed to reach the Wisconsin coast.
Condition of the Wreck
The wreck of the Lac La Belle is reported to be largely intact, with its wooden hull and some structural features still visible. However, the exterior is covered with quagga mussels, and the upper cabins have deteriorated. Ehorn noted that the wreck is in relatively good condition, which is significant given the increasing urgency among shipwreck hunters to locate and document these sites before they are further damaged by invasive species.
Broader Implications and Future Plans
The Great Lakes are home to an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 shipwrecks, many of which remain undiscovered. Ehorn's discovery of the Lac La Belle marks the 15th shipwreck he has located, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by shipwreck hunters as they seek to uncover historical maritime sites. Ehorn plans to create a 3D photo model of the wreck and present further details at the 2026 Ghost Ships Festival in Manitowoc.
Criticism and Challenges in Shipwreck Hunting
Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, Ehorn acknowledged the increasing difficulty in locating shipwrecks, stating, “It’s getting harder and harder. The easier ones have been found.” This sentiment reflects the competitive nature of shipwreck hunting and the challenges posed by environmental factors that threaten the preservation of these historical artifacts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s kind of a game, like solve the puzzle. Sometimes you don’t have many pieces to put the puzzle together but this one worked out and we found it right away." — Paul Ehorn, Shipwreck Hunter
- “Now it’s on to the next one." — Paul Ehorn, Shipwreck Hunter
- “The wreck shows a wooden hull resting upright, with structural features and cargo elements still visible." — Paul Ehorn, Shipwreck Hunter
The discovery of the Lac La Belle not only adds to the historical narrative of the Great Lakes but also highlights the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by those dedicated to uncovering maritime history.
