Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Francisco Morazan
- Type: Cargo Ship
- Year Built: 1922
- Builder: Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg, Germany
- Dimensions: Length 234 ft 5 in (71.45 m); Beam 36 ft 8 in (11.18 m); Depth of hold 17 ft 9 in (5.41 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,441 GRT
- Location: South Manitou Island, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: Hamburg-Amerika Packetfahrt AG; multiple owners thereafter
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Cargo Ship
Description
The Francisco Morazan was originally launched as Arcadia in 1922. It was a steel-hulled cargo ship with a length of 234 feet 5 inches and a gross tonnage of 1,441 GRT. The vessel was powered by a twin-screw steam-driven compound steam engine, capable of reaching speeds of 9 knots.
History
The Francisco Morazan had a varied service history, operating under multiple owners and flags throughout its 38-year career. Initially launched for Hamburg-Amerika Packetfahrt AG, it was requisitioned by Nazi Germany’s Kriegsmarine in 1940 for military operations. After sustaining damage during World War II, it was seized by Allied forces in 1945 and transferred to the British Ministry of War Transport, where it was renamed Empire Congress. In 1946, it was allocated to the Norwegian government and renamed Brunes. The ship changed hands several times, eventually being registered in Panama and Liberia under the name Francisco Morazan.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: November 29, 1960
- Location: South Manitou Island, Lake Michigan
- Cause: Ran aground in a snowstorm
- Cargo: 1,118 tons of mixed goods
- Casualties: None
Final Disposition
After running aground, the Francisco Morazan was deemed unsalvageable. Rescue efforts were initiated, but poor weather conditions hindered operations. The crew was evacuated, and some cargo was recovered before salvage efforts were abandoned. The wreck has since become a local attraction.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Francisco Morazan is partially exposed above the surface and is deteriorating but remains a visible landmark. It is part of the Manitou Passage State Underwater Preserve, offering protection under Michigan law.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ss-francisco-morazan-arcadia-elbing-empire-congress-brunes-skuld-ringas-los-mayas” title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the Francisco Morazan serves as a significant historical reminder of the challenges faced by ships navigating the Great Lakes in winter. It is now a part of Michigan’s maritime heritage, attracting interest from historians, divers, and tourists alike.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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