Renowned archaeologist Robert Grenier, a pioneer in underwater exploration, has passed away. In the 1970s, he led the discovery of the Basque whaling ship San Juan in Red Bay, Labrador, which had sunk around 1565. Grenier described the experience of exploring the wreck as exhilarating, likening it to unlocking a snapshot of the 16th century in Red Bay.
Born in Trois-Rivières, Que. in 1937, Grenier earned a master’s degree in classics from Laval University before joining Parks Canada. He became a trailblazer in the emerging field of underwater archaeology. Grenier, who passed away in Gatineau, Que. on Jan. 3 at the age of 88, left a lasting legacy in his field.
Grenier first learned about the San Juan in 1974 from Selma Barkham, who was conducting archival research in Spain. Several years later, his team discovered the wreck of the San Juan in Red Bay after a brief search. Grenier emphasized that the vessel, unlike the Titanic, was well-preserved in the cold, icy waters of the North, aided by ice pushing it into the mud.
Red Bay town manager Keith Pike, who witnessed the discovery as a child, fondly remembered Grenier’s impactful work in the community. Grenier’s contributions to underwater archaeology and conservation were acknowledged by Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial archaeology office, describing him as a prominent figure in the field.
As the chief of Parks Canada’s underwater archaeology unit, Grenier was featured on the cover of National Geographic in 1985. He led government-funded expeditions into Arctic waters in the 1990s and 2000s in search of Sir John Franklin’s ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. In recognition of his achievements, Grenier was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada in 2004 and served as the chair of a UNESCO scientific committee focused on the protection of underwater cultural heritage.
The survey of the San Juan wreck played a crucial role in the construction of a replica vessel, scheduled to embark on a voyage to Labrador in 2027. Grenier’s impact on the field of underwater archaeology and his dedication to preserving cultural heritage will be remembered and celebrated.