Steamer that sunk in Lake Michigan more than 150 years ago has been found

Published: Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 6:53 pm

Lost Steamer Lac La Belle Found After Decades-Long Search

A luxury steamer that sank in Lake Michigan nearly 150 years ago has been located, marking the culmination of a search that began almost 60 years ago. The wreck of the Lac La Belle, a 217-foot vessel built in 1864, was discovered in October 2022 by a team led by shipwreck hunter Paul Ehron. The announcement was delayed to allow for the creation of a 3D video model of the ship.

The Lac La Belle was a popular steamer, initially operating between Cleveland and Lake Superior. After being raised and reconditioned following a collision in 1866, it was purchased by Milwaukee's Englemann Transportation Company and used for passenger transport. On October 13, 1872, the ship departed Milwaukee with 53 passengers and crew, along with cargo. Shortly after departure, the ship began taking on water. Despite the captain's efforts to turn back, the weather worsened, extinguishing the ship's boiler fires. The Lac La Belle sank stern first, resulting in the deaths of eight people when one of the lifeboats capsized.

Ehron, who has been searching for shipwrecks since he was 15, used a clue from another wreck hunter to narrow his search area. He located the Lac La Belle using side-scan sonar. While the wreck's exterior is covered with quagga mussels and the upper cabins are gone, the hull appears intact, and the oak interiors are in good condition.

The discovery of the Lac La Belle adds to the numerous shipwrecks found in the Great Lakes, estimated to number between 6,000 and 10,000. Recent years have seen increased urgency in shipwreck hunting due to concerns about invasive quagga mussels damaging the wrecks.

BNN's Perspective: The discovery of the Lac La Belle is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of shipwreck hunters. While the loss of life associated with the ship's sinking is a tragedy, the recovery of the wreck offers a valuable glimpse into maritime history. The ongoing efforts to locate and preserve these historical artifacts are important for understanding our past.

Keywords: Lake Michigan, shipwreck, Lac La Belle, Paul Ehron, shipwreck hunting, Great Lakes, steamer, wreck, discovery, maritime history, quagga mussels, Wisconsin, passenger ship, 1872, Cleveland, Milwaukee

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