Known as the “Gillen Tug,” the Edward E. Gillen is one of Milwaukee’s most visited shipwrecks and a favorite dive site among Great Lakes divers.
She rests upright and intact in about 70 feet of water, making her accessible to intermediate-level divers. Despite being small in size compared to many lake freighters, the Gillen Tug has an interesting service history that spans more than seven decades before her sinking in 1981.

Built in 1908 by Benjamin L. Cowles in Buffalo, New York, the tug was originally named Erastus C. Knight for Frank P. Coyle. She was later renamed Aubrey when owned by the American Construction Company, and finally became Edward E. Gillen in 1964 when acquired by the Edward E. Gillen Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The tug served as a hardworking vessel on the Great Lakes, primarily used for towing and harbor construction work. In 1928, she was converted from steam to diesel power, receiving a Winton engine that extended her operational life for decades.

On June 3rd, 1981, while participating in cable-testing exercises with the Coast Guard icebreaker USCGC Westwind, tragedy struck. The Westwind began to move while the Gillen’s stern was connected by cable, pulling the tug’s stern underwater. Within seconds, the Gillen Tug capsized and sank approximately 2.5 miles east of Milwaukee. All four crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard after spending several minutes in the frigid 48°F waters.

Today, the wreck of the Edward E. Gillen lies upright and well-preserved, sitting near the more famous Prins Willem V wreck. It remains a popular dive site for its accessibility, clear structure, and historical significance to Milwaukee’s working harbor heritage.