SS Francisco Morazan (1922)

The SS Francisco Morazan was a Spanish cargo steamship built in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1922. Originally named the Infanta Isabel de Borbon, it was later renamed SS Francisco Morazan in honor of the Central American president. The ship is best known for its shipwreck on September 4, 1960, near the southern coast of South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan.

The Francisco Morazan was en route from Chicago to Rotterdam, Netherlands, carrying a cargo of canned chicken, agricultural machinery, and other general merchandise. Due to heavy fog and navigational errors, the ship ran aground on a shoal, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of South Manitou Island's southern point.

The crew was safely rescued by the United States Coast Guard. The Francisco Morazan was deemed a total loss. The wreck remained a prominent feature in the area for decades, gradually deteriorating due to the harsh conditions of Lake Michigan. Over time, the ship became a popular diving and sightseeing attraction.

The visible remains of the Francisco Morazan have significantly diminished over the years. However, its story continues to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of navigation in the Great Lakes and a reminder of the maritime history of the region. The wreck is now protected as part of the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve.