Discovery of the Luxury Steamer Lac La Belle

Shipwreck World, an organization dedicated to locating shipwrecks globally, has announced the discovery of the luxury steamer Lac La Belle. The wreck was found in October 2022 by a team led by Illinois shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn.

The Lac La Belle lies approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The announcement of this significant discovery was delayed to facilitate the inclusion of a three-dimensional video model of the ship.

Decades-Long Search Efforts Culminate

Paul Ehorn, 80, has a long and distinguished history in shipwreck hunting, having begun his search efforts at the age of 15. His pursuit of the Lac La Belle specifically spans nearly six decades, dating back to 1965.

In 2022, his extensive search was significantly aided by a crucial clue provided by fellow wreck hunter and author Ross Richardson. This information allowed Ehorn to narrow his search area considerably. The team ultimately located the ship using side-scan sonar after just two hours of searching.

Ehorn chose not to disclose the specific nature of the clue. However, Richardson revealed that he had learned of a commercial fisherman encountering an item characteristic of 1800s steamships at a particular location.

The Steamer's Turbulent History

The Lac La Belle, a 217-foot (66-meter) steamer, was constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1864. Originally, it operated on routes between Cleveland and Lake Superior.

Remarkably, this was not the Lac La Belle's first incident at sea.

In 1866, the vessel sank in the St. Clair River following a collision. It was subsequently raised in 1869, reconditioned, and returned to service.

The Fateful Sinking Event of 1872

On the night of October 13, 1872, the Lac La Belle embarked from Milwaukee, bound for Grand Haven, Michigan. On board were 53 passengers and crew, alongside a diverse cargo including barley, pork, flour, and whiskey.

Approximately two hours into its journey, the ship began to experience uncontrollable leaks. The captain's attempt to turn the vessel back towards Milwaukee was thwarted by large waves that inundated the ship, extinguishing its boilers. The storm then propelled the stricken vessel southward.

Around 5 a.m., as the situation grew dire, the captain ordered the lowering of lifeboats. The ship then sank stern first.

Tragically, one lifeboat capsized en route to shore, leading to the deaths of eight individuals. The remaining lifeboats successfully reached the Wisconsin coast, landing between Racine and Kenosha.

Current Condition and Broader Context

Observations of the newly discovered wreck reveal that its exterior is covered with quagga mussels, and the upper cabins are no longer present. Despite this, the hull appears intact, and the oak interiors are reportedly in good condition.

The Great Lakes region is a vast maritime graveyard, estimated to contain between 6,000 and 10,000 shipwrecks, with the majority still awaiting discovery.

There's growing urgency in recent years for shipwreck hunters due to concerns that invasive quagga mussels are causing significant damage to these submerged historical sites.

The discovery of the Lac La Belle marks a significant achievement for Paul Ehorn, representing the 15th shipwreck he has successfully located.