After decades of searching, the US has discovered the wreckage of a luxury steamship that sank more than 150 years ago. Photo

The search for Lac La Belle continued for almost 60 years. A team led by 80-year-old wreck hunter Ehorn discovered the ship about 20 miles off the coast between the cities of Race and Kenosha in Wisconsin.

Ehorn said it took just two hours of sideways sonar to locate Lac La Belle, thanks to a tip from another experienced shipwreck finder.

The 66 m long steamboat was built in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Lac La Belle (meaning “Beautiful Lake” in French) carried passengers and freight between Milwaukee and Grand Haven and also formerly operated between Cleveland and Lake Superior.

Photo: shipwreckworld.com

On the last voyage, on a stormy night, there were 53 people on board and a cargo of barley, pork, flour and whiskey. Two hours after leaving, the ship began to quickly take on water, the boilers went out and the ship sank stern first. Eight people died because the boat capsized; the rest made it to shore.

The hull of Lac La Belle is now covered with mussels and there are no upper cabins, but the oak interiors remain in good condition. This is the 15th vessel Ehorn has found in his career.