More than 150 years after it sank in a storm, the remains of the luxury steamer Lac La Belle have been located in Lake Michigan. The ship went down in 1872 after severe weather struck shortly after departure from Milwaukee, killing eight people. The discovery adds to the record of historic shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, where thousands of wrecks are believed to remain undiscovered.
Historic Shipwreck Located
Lac La Belle was found about 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha in Wisconsin. The wreck was identified by a team led by Illinois shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn. The discovery was made in October 2022, but details were released later after a 3D model of the vessel was prepared.
Background of the Disaster
The steamer had been salvaged in 1869 and returned to service after repairs. On 13 October 1872, it left Milwaukee for Grand Haven, Michigan, carrying 53 passengers and crew, along with cargo such as barley, pork, flour and whiskey. A strong storm soon flooded the vessel. The captain attempted to return to Milwaukee, but heavy waves and failing boilers worsened the situation. Around 5 am, the lifeboats were lowered as the ship drifted south and sank from the stern.
Search and Identification
The search was narrowed using information from wreck explorer and author Ross Richardson. Side-scan sonar helped locate the ship within two hours of diving into the lake. Ehorn had searched for Lac La Belle since 1965. This was his 15th shipwreck discovery. The wreck’s exterior is covered with quagga mussels, which are damaging many underwater sites in the Great Lakes.
Significance of the Discovery
The main hull of the vessel remains largely intact, and the oak interior is still in good condition. The find strengthens knowledge of maritime history in the Great Lakes region. It also marks the growing role of shipwreck hunters and modern sonar technology in documenting submerged heritage.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026