PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSION POINT PRESS
The Griffon disappeared in the Great Lakes on the return of its maiden voyage in 1679, and the famous shipwreck has never been discovered — until now, claims a new book by Steve and Kathie Libert that details the couples’ over 40-year search for the wreck.
“Le Griffon and the Huron Islands 1679” is a compilation of the historical information the couple gathered, as well as a detailed story of their search for the Griffon, originally sailed by French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. The book uncovers how a wreck off the Garden Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula must certainly be the remains of the famous ship.
The Liberts have worked with many experts in their search for the wreck, including shipwright and diver Allen Pertner and even France’s top marine archeologist who visited in 2013, reports WDET. However, a contentious battle with the state and other archeologists over the shipwreck and project has halted further efforts, and any further exploration to identify the wreck will require a permit from the state.
