Renowned archaeologist Robert Grenier, recognized for his groundbreaking work in underwater exploration, has passed away. In the 1970s, Grenier led the expedition that uncovered the sunken Basque whaling vessel San Juan in Red Bay, Labrador, which had gone down around 1565. Reflecting on the discovery in an interview with CBC Radio’s The Broadcast, Grenier described the experience as exhilarating, likening it to uncovering a glimpse of the 16th century in Red Bay with his own hands.
Born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, in 1937, Grenier obtained a master’s degree in classics from Laval University before joining Parks Canada, where he became a pioneer in the emerging field of underwater archaeology. His obituary indicates that he passed away on January 3 in Gatineau, Quebec, at the age of 88.
Grenier first learned of the San Juan in 1974 when Selma Barkham, conducting archival research in Spain, shared information about the vessel potentially resting in Red Bay’s harbor. Several years later, in 1978, Grenier’s team located the wreck after a brief search upon arriving in Red Bay. Grenier remarked that the condition of the vessel was well-preserved due to the frigid, icy waters of the North and the ice that had pushed it into the mud. He emphasized that the wreck, unlike the legendary Titanic, was in shallow waters near Saddle Island in Red Bay.
As a tribute to Grenier, Red Bay town manager Keith Pike, who was a child when the ship was found, recalled the significant impact Grenier had on the community during the discovery. Pike praised Grenier not only for his exceptional work on the project but also for his kindness and respectful demeanor towards everyone he encountered. The town held a moment of silence in honor of Grenier’s contributions.
Acknowledged by Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial archaeology office as a prominent figure in underwater archaeology and conservation, Grenier served as the chief of Parks Canada’s underwater archaeology unit and graced the cover of National Geographic in 1985. In subsequent years, Grenier led government-funded expeditions into Arctic waters in search of Sir John Franklin’s lost ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.
Recognized for his contributions, Grenier was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada in 2004 and chaired a UNESCO scientific committee focused on safeguarding underwater cultural heritage. The survey of the San Juan wreck facilitated the construction of a replica vessel, scheduled to embark on a voyage to Labrador in 2027.