After spending more than 150 years beneath the icy waters of Lake Michigan, the passenger steamer Lac La Belle, one of the most sought-after wrecks in the region, has been found. The discovery was made approximately 32 kilometers off the coast of Wisconsin by veteran shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn, who has been searching for the ship since 1965 after it sank during a storm in 1872. This significant find was made in October 2022, but the public announcement was delayed until now as the team wanted to prepare a 3D video model of the wreck before sharing the news.

Ehorn's long journey began when he was just 15 years old, and the quest to locate Lac La Belle has been a defining aspect of his life. The breakthrough discovery came in 2022, facilitated by a crucial tip from researcher and author Ross Richardson. Despite facing challenges such as severe weather and other commitments that delayed the divers' return to the site, the completion of the model allowed for the revelation of the wreck to the public, highlighting both the dedication of Ehorn and the mysteries still lurking beneath some of America's lakes.

The successful identification of Lac La Belle not only brings closure to a long-lost vessel but also sparks renewed interest in maritime history and shipwreck exploration in the Great Lakes. With ongoing debates about preservation and the impacts of climate change on underwater ecosystems, this discovery serves as a reminder of the rich historical tapestry found in these waters and the stories that remain to be uncovered, emphasizing the importance of preserving such artifacts.