After Six Decades Underwater, A Diver Finally Locates the 66-Meter Shipwreck Lost in Storm

An 80-year-old shipwreck hunter has finally located the wreck of the Lac La Belle, a wooden steamship that vanished in Lake Michigan in October 1872. The discovery ends a personal quest spanning more than six decades and sheds new light on one of the lake’s most sought-after wrecks.

The vessel, once among the most popular steamships operating on Lake Michigan, disappeared during a violent storm. For years, its fate remained part of Great Lakes maritime lore, its resting place unknown despite repeated searches.

Now, thanks to side-scan sonar and fresh historical clues, the wreck has been found upright on the lakebed. The announcement was made by Shipwreck World, the exploration group involved in the search, bringing long-awaited closure to a story dating back more than 150 years.

A Lifelong Pursuit Finally Rewarded

The wreck was located in October 2022 by Paul Ehorn and his team, though the news was only made public on February 13, 2026. According to Associated Press, the delay allowed the group to prepare a three-dimensional video of the site, as weather conditions had prevented a return to the wreck until the following summer. Ehorn, now 80, has been searching for the Lac La Belle for over 60 years.

“As a woodworker myself, I appreciate the hand craftsmanship that went into these early vessels. The Lac La Belle was close to home for me and is a wreck that’s always been on my radar.” he said in a statement released by Shipwreck World.

The wreck was identified after just two hours of scanning with side-scan sonar, aided by new information provided by maritime historian Ross Richardson. That short search window stands in sharp contrast to the decades Ehorn devoted to the hunt.

The Ship’s Final Breath

Built in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio, the 66-meter steamship initially operated routes between Cleveland and Lake Superior. It underwent repairs in 1869 after an earlier accident and was later purchased in 1871 by the Englemann Transportation Company of Milwaukee, as detailed by Shipwreck World.

On October 13, 1872, the ship departed Milwaukee for Grand Haven, Michigan, carrying 53 passengers and crew, along with cargo that included barley, pork, flour, and whiskey. Two hours after setting sail, the ship began taking on water, for reasons no one could explain.

A Remarkably Preserved Wooden Hull

Ehorn reported that the shipwreck hull was found upright and largely intact. Although the shipwreck’s exterior is coated in mussels, much of the oak interior remains remarkably well preserved.

“Although her superstructure is blown off, you can see all of her wooden framing and some of her cargo is visible,” he explained.

Much of the oak interior is still preserved, and parts of the ship’s structure and cargo can still be seen on the lakebed. It’s the fifteenth wreck discovered byPaul Ehorn, who says finding new ones is getting tougher.

Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to our free newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest news.