Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Edward E. Gillen
- Type: Diesel Screw Tug
- Year Built: 1908
- Builder: Benjamin L. Cowles
- Dimensions: 56.5 ft (17.2 m) x 15.3 ft (4.66 m) x 7.9 ft (2.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 47 GT
- Depth at Wreck Site: 22.5 m / 74 ft
- Location: Lake Michigan, 2.5 miles offshore Milwaukee, WI
- Coordinates: N 43° 01.653′ / W 087° 49.122′
- Official Number: 205312
- Original Owners: Edward E. Gillen Co. (final), previously American Sand & Gravel, Merritt-Chapman Scott Corp.
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Edward E. Gillen was a steel-hulled harbor tug originally built as Erstus C. Knight in 1908. Initially steam-powered using a recycled engine from the tug Mary, she was converted to diesel in 1928 with a Winton 6-cylinder engine.
Description
Measuring 56.5 feet in length with a 15.3-foot beam, she operated in multiple Great Lakes ports throughout her 73-year career.
History
Originally serving the American Sand & Gravel Co. in Erie, PA, the vessel changed names and roles several times. Renamed Aubrey in 1917, she was later sold to American Construction Co. and then Merritt-Chapman Scott. Her 1964 renaming to Edward E. Gillen by the Milwaukee-based firm of the same name honored an earlier wooden tug lost in 1903. She was rebuilt in 1953 and remained active in local maritime work.
Her final assignment involved cable testing with the USCG icebreaker Westwind. A stern towline—against standard practice—was secured, and as the Westwind moved ahead, the tug submerged by the stern and capsized within minutes. All four crew were rescued.
Significant Incidents
- Capsized and sank while engaged in cable tests with USCG Westwind.
- A mismatch in power and improper towline placement contributed to the rapid sinking.
Final Disposition
Located shortly after sinking in June 1981, the site is now documented by Wisconsin Historical Society and 3DShipwrecks.org.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Access: Boat
Entry Point: Milwaukee harbor marinas
Conditions: Generally calm, visibility variable 10–30 ft
Depth Range: 74 ft (22.5 m)
Emergency Contacts: USCG Sector Lake Michigan: +1 414-747-7100, Milwaukee EMS: 911
Permits: Not required, but subject to Wisconsin Historical Society regulations
Dive Support: Local dive shops in Milwaukee support trips to this site and nearby wrecks
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”edward-e-gillen-us-205312-erstus-c-knight-aubrey” title=”References & Links”]
Crew of 4, all survived. No fatalities occurred. No known dedicated memorial.
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