Shipwreck hunter finds luxury steamer that sank in Lake Michigan in 1872

After 57 years of searching, shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn discovered the wreck of the Lac La Belle, a luxury steamer that sank in 1872.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Researchers have discovered the wreck of the Lac La Belle, a luxury steamer ship that sank in Lake Michigan in 1872. The shipwreck was found by a team led by Illinois shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn, who has been searching for the wreck's location since 1965. The Lac La Belle was a 217-foot steamer that ran between Cleveland and Lake Superior before sinking in a gale on October 13, 1872 while carrying passengers and cargo.

Why it matters

The discovery of the Lac La Belle wreck provides valuable insights into Great Lakes maritime history and the challenges faced by 19th century steamship travel. It also highlights the dedication and persistence of shipwreck hunters like Paul Ehorn, who spend decades searching for lost vessels to uncover their stories.

The details

Ehorn's team discovered the wreck of the Lac La Belle roughly 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin, in October 2022. Ehorn was able to narrow down his search thanks to a clue from wreck hunter and author Ross Richardson, who had heard of a local fisherman pulling up an item specific to a steam ship in that general location. The Lac La Belle was built in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio and had a storied history, sinking in the St. Clair River in 1866 after a collision before being raised and reconditioned. It was on its final trip from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, Michigan when it began leaking uncontrollably in a gale, leading the captain to order lifeboats lowered as the ship went down stern first.

  • The Lac La Belle sank on October 13, 1872.
  • Ehorn has been searching for the wreck's location since 1965.
  • Ehorn's team discovered the wreck in October 2022.

The players

Paul Ehorn

An 80-year-old Illinois shipwreck hunter who has been searching for the Lac La Belle wreck since 1965.

Ross Richardson

A wreck hunter and author who provided Ehorn with a clue that helped narrow down the search location.

Lac La Belle

A 217-foot luxury steamer ship that sank in Lake Michigan in 1872 while carrying passengers and cargo.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of a game, like solve the puzzle. Sometimes you don't have many pieces to put the puzzle together but this one worked out and we found it right away.”

— Paul Ehorn (The Associated Press)

The takeaway

The discovery of the Lac La Belle wreck highlights the dedication and persistence of shipwreck hunters like Paul Ehorn, who spend decades searching for lost vessels to uncover their stories and provide valuable insights into Great Lakes maritime history.