Steve Libert’s relentless pursuit of a legendary shipwreck faces skepticism and health challenges.

  • Steve Libert has been searching for the shipwreck of Le Griffon for 43 years.
  • Le Griffon, built in 1679, is considered the first full-size European ship to sail the Upper Great Lakes.
  • Libert’s claims of finding the wreck are dismissed by Michigan officials as ‘fantasy’.
  • Despite setbacks, Libert remains determined to prove the existence of the wreck.
  • The search has led to legal battles with Michigan over excavation rights.
  • Recent dives have revealed features that Libert believes are consistent with 17th-century shipbuilding.
  • Libert’s health issues and age are becoming obstacles in his quest.
  • The mystery of Le Griffon continues to attract amateur explorers and historians.

In the clear waters off Summer Island, Michigan, Steve Libert, a 70-year-old retired naval intelligence officer, believes he has located the wreck of Le Griffon, the first full-size European ship to navigate the Upper Great Lakes. Libert has dedicated 43 years to this quest, despite facing skepticism from Michigan officials who label his findings as mere ‘fantasy’. The ship, which sank in 1679, has become a symbol of mystery and adventure, drawing in amateur explorers over the decades. Libert’s journey began in his youth, inspired by a teacher’s words, and has led him through numerous challenges, including legal battles with the state over excavation rights. Despite setbacks, including a failed excavation in 2013 that revealed only invasive zebra mussels, Libert remains undeterred. He and his crew have uncovered features they believe are indicative of 17th-century shipbuilding, but health issues and age are starting to weigh on Libert. As he continues to search for artifacts to validate his claims, the mystery of Le Griffon remains unsolved, captivating the imaginations of many.·

Image Credits: no
Factuality Level: 6
Factuality Justification: The article presents a detailed account of Steve Libert’s quest to find the shipwreck of Le Griffon, including various perspectives from experts and Libert himself. While it provides a mix of factual historical context and personal anecdotes, it also contains elements of speculation and bias, particularly in Libert’s claims and the dismissive responses from experts. The article does not mislead significantly but leans towards sensationalism in its portrayal of the ongoing search and the drama surrounding it.·
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed account of Steve Libert’s long quest to find the shipwreck of Le Griffon, including various perspectives and historical context. However, it lacks a critical analysis of the broader implications of such searches and does not hold powerful entities accountable, focusing instead on personal narratives. While it presents some evidence and personal insights, it does not offer actionable solutions or new knowledge that readers can apply.·
Private Companies: Michigan Shipwreck Research Association,National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Key People: Steve Libert (Explorer and retired naval intelligence officer), Wayne R. Lusardi (Maritime archaeologist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources), Tom Kucharsky (Machinist), Bruce Lynn (Executive director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum), Valerie van Heest (Explorer, historian, and director of the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association), Kathie Libert (Co-author and marketing firm owner), Sandra Clark (Director of the Michigan History Center and state historian)

Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: The article discusses the search for a historic shipwreck and does not mention any financial events or impacts on markets or companies.
Financial Rating Justification: The content of the article focuses on maritime exploration and historical research rather than financial topics or market impacts.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses a historical shipwreck and ongoing exploration efforts but does not report on any extreme events that occurred in the last 48 hours.·
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: All
Direction: Neutral
Magnitude: Small
Affected Instruments: No

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com