The wreck of the wooden propeller steamer Lac La Belle, which sank in a Lake Michigan storm in 1872, has been located and identified, concluding a search that spanned more than six decades. The discovery was recently announced by a team of shipwreck hunters and historians who pinpointed the vessel's resting place approximately 650 feet below the surface off the coast of Algoma, Wisconsin.

The Lac La Belle, an 187-foot-long steamer, met its fate on October 21, 1872, while en route from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, Michigan. Carrying a cargo that included 2,000 barrels of flour and other general merchandise, the ship encountered severe weather conditions. Despite attempts by Captain John McQuesten and his crew to weather the storm, the vessel sustained critical damage, reportedly springing leaks that led to its rapid sinking. Five crew members perished in the maritime disaster, including Captain McQuesten, Mate John McSween, engineer John Thompson, watchman John McCurdy, and cook Mary McSween.

The discovery was made by a team comprising Ken Merryman, Jerry Eliason, and Robert Ruetsche, who utilized advanced sonar technology and subsequent remotely operated vehicle (ROV) investigations to confirm the identity of the wreck. Their extensive search efforts ultimately yielded success, bringing closure to one of Lake Michigan’s long-standing maritime mysteries.

The Lac La Belle wreck is described as remarkably intact and well-preserved due to the cold, oxygen-poor environment at its considerable depth. This condition provides a unique snapshot of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping and offers valuable insights for maritime archaeologists and historians. The site is considered an important cultural resource, providing tangible evidence of the perils faced by commercial vessels during that era.

Key details about the Lac La Belle and its sinking:

  • Vessel Type: Wooden propeller steamer
  • Length: 187 feet
  • Sinking Date: October 21, 1872
  • Cause of Sinking: Severe storm, reportedly leading to catastrophic leaks
  • Lives Lost: Five crew members
  • Cargo: Approximately 2,000 barrels of flour and general merchandise
  • Discovery Depth: Approximately 650 feet
  • Discovery Location: Off the coast of Algoma, Wisconsin
  • Discovery Team: Ken Merryman, Jerry Eliason, Robert Ruetsche

The finding of the Lac La Belle adds a significant chapter to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. Further research and documentation of the site are anticipated, contributing to the understanding of the engineering, cargo, and daily life aboard such vessels in the late 19th century. The wreck remains protected as a historical site, precluding unauthorized disturbance.