In a remarkable culmination of nearly six decades of relentless pursuit, shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn has announced the discovery of the Lac La Belle, a passenger steamer that vanished beneath the waves of Lake Michigan more than 150 years ago. The wreck, located approximately 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin, has captivated maritime historians and treasure seekers alike since its sinking in 1872.
A Long and Arduous Search
Ehorn, now 80, has been immersed in the world of shipwreck hunting since he was a teenager. His quest for the Lac La Belle began in 1965, marking the start of a lifelong obsession. The announcement, made by the shipwreck recovery group Shipwreck World, was delayed to incorporate a three-dimensional video model of the wreck, a task complicated by adverse weather and scheduling conflicts. The find, which took place in October 2022, was only revealed recently.
Utilising advanced side-scan sonar technology, Ehorn managed to pinpoint the location of the ship after just two hours of searching, thanks in part to a clue from fellow wreck enthusiast Ross Richardson. “It’s like solving a puzzle,” Ehorn stated, reflecting on the thrill of discovery. “Sometimes you don’t have many pieces, but this one worked out, and we found it right away.”
The Tragic Fate of Lac La Belle
The Lac La Belle embarked on its ill-fated journey from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, Michigan, one fateful October night in 1872. Onboard were 53 passengers and crew, along with a significant cargo of barley, flour, pork, and whiskey. Just two hours into the voyage, disaster struck when the vessel began taking on water. The captain attempted to return to Milwaukee, but fierce waves extinguished the ship’s boilers, leaving it vulnerable to the storm.
By 5am, as the storm raged, the captain ordered the lifeboats to be lowered. Tragically, one capsized en route to shore, resulting in the deaths of eight people, while the remaining lifeboats made it to safety along the Wisconsin coast.
The Wreck’s Condition and Historical Significance
Constructed in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio, the Lac La Belle was a formidable 217-foot steamer that had previously operated between Cleveland and Lake Superior. After a collision in the St. Clair River in 1866, it was salvaged and restored before its tragic demise. Ehorn revealed that while the ship’s exterior is now encrusted with mussels and the upper cabins have deteriorated, the hull remains intact, and the oak interiors are surprisingly well-preserved.
The Great Lakes are notorious for their hidden maritime history, with estimates suggesting between 6,000 and 10,000 shipwrecks lie beneath their depths. Ehorn’s discovery of the Lac La Belle marks the 15th shipwreck he has located, a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field. “It was one more to put a checkmark by,” he remarked, “Now it’s on to the next one. It’s getting harder and harder. The easier ones have been found.”
An Upcoming Presentation and Future Endeavours
Ehorn plans to showcase his discovery at the upcoming Ghost Ships Festival in Wisconsin this March, where he will present video footage and images of the wreck. The event promises to attract enthusiasts eager to learn more about the Lac La Belle and the broader implications of shipwreck discoveries in the Great Lakes.
Why it Matters
The discovery of the Lac La Belle not only sheds light on a tragic chapter in maritime history but also underscores the importance of preserving such sites in the face of environmental threats. As invasive species like quagga mussels continue to ravage the Great Lakes, the urgency to document and protect these underwater relics grows ever more critical. Ehorn’s dedication serves as a reminder of the stories that lie beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered and remembered, ensuring that the legacies of those who ventured across these waters are not lost to time.
