Shipwreck Hunter Discovers Long-Lost 1872 Steamer In Lake Michigan After 60-Year Search

(NationalFreedomPress.com) – A veteran shipwreck hunter’s 60-year obsession has finally paid off with the discovery of a luxury steamer that vanished in Lake Michigan over 150 years ago, revealing both a remarkable tale of persistence and an urgent race against time as invasive mussels threaten to erase thousands of similar underwater historical treasures.

Story Highlights

80-year-old Paul Ehorn located the Lac La Belle steamer after six decades of searching, marking his 15th wreck discovery since age 15
The 217-foot passenger steamer sank on October 13, 1872, killing eight people when a lifeboat capsized during the tragedy
Discovery came from a secretive clue about a commercial fisher snagging an 1800s steamer item, kept confidential to avoid competitive hunters
Invasive quagga mussels now threaten 6,000-10,000 undiscovered Lake Michigan wrecks, accelerating deterioration and creating urgency for documentation efforts

Six-Decade Quest Culminates in Historic Find

Paul Ehorn, an 80-year-old Illinois shipwreck hunter, discovered the wreck of the luxury steamer Lac La Belle in October 2022 after searching since 1965. The 217-foot vessel rests approximately 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin, where it sank during a violent gale on October 13, 1872. Ehorn’s discovery came after just two hours of side-scan sonar searching, following a critical clue from fellow wreck hunter Ross Richardson about a commercial fisher who had snagged an item from an 1800s steamer. The find represents Ehorn’s 15th wreck discovery and demonstrates the dedication required in modern shipwreck hunting as easier targets have already been located.

Tragic Final Voyage Claims Eight Lives

The Lac La Belle departed Milwaukee carrying 53 passengers and crew plus cargo including barley, pork, flour, and whiskey when disaster struck two hours into its journey to Grand Haven, Michigan. The vessel began leaking uncontrollably as deteriorating weather conditions extinguished its boilers, leaving it powerless against the storm. Around 5 a.m., the steamer sank stern-first into Lake Michigan’s depths. One lifeboat capsized during evacuation attempts, resulting in eight fatalities. The tragedy highlights the dangerous conditions faced by Great Lakes passenger steamers during the 1800s shipping boom, when wooden hulls proved vulnerable to structural failures and severe weather. This incident occurred just three years after the vessel had been salvaged from a previous sinking in the St. Clair River and rebuilt.

Competitive Secrecy Defines Modern Wreck Hunting

Richardson provided Ehorn with the fisher’s clue but declined to elaborate on specifics, citing the competitive nature of contemporary shipwreck hunting. Both hunters guard details closely to maintain advantages over rivals searching the same waters. This secretive approach contrasts with collaborative archaeological efforts by groups like the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association, which emphasize public science and historical documentation. Ehorn expressed satisfaction at solving the puzzle but acknowledged increasing difficulty as more accessible wrecks have been found. His methodical approach and willingness to pursue decades-long searches demonstrate the persistence required in this specialized field, where dedication and strategic information management often determine success.

Invasive Species Threaten Underwater Heritage

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Wisconsin Water Library estimates Lake Michigan contains 6,000 to 10,000 undiscovered shipwrecks, creating urgent pressure to locate and document these historical sites before invasive quagga mussels cause irreversible deterioration. The Lac La Belle’s oak hull remains intact but shows heavy mussel encrustation, with upper cabins completely gone. Shipwreck World delayed announcing the discovery until last summer to complete 3D video modeling despite weather challenges, recognizing the importance of thorough documentation. This preservation effort aligns with recent Wisconsin discoveries including the Margaret A. Muir schooner in June 2024, which led to National Register nominations. The accelerating mussel threat has intensified both competitive hunting dynamics and collaborative archaeology initiatives across the Great Lakes region.

Discovery Validates Personal Dedication to Maritime History

Ehorn described feeling “super elated” at finally solving the puzzle after 60 years, immediately turning his attention to the next hunt. The announcement by Shipwreck World frames this discovery within broader efforts to preserve Great Lakes maritime heritage before environmental factors erase these underwater time capsules. The vessel’s history adds layers to the story: built in Cleveland in 1864, it collided and sank in the St. Clair River in 1866, was raised in 1869, rebuilt, and repurposed by Milwaukee’s Englemann Transportation Company before its final tragic voyage. The discovery provides valuable insights into 1870s shipping technology and operational failures while honoring the memory of the eight people who perished. For local Great Lakes communities in Racine and Kenosha, this find reinforces regional maritime identity and highlights the ongoing relevance of historical preservation efforts.