Renowned archaeologist Robert Grenier, a pioneer in underwater exploration, has passed away. In the 1970s, he led the discovery of the sunken Basque whaling ship San Juan in Red Bay, Labrador, dating back to around 1565. Grenier described the experience of exploring the wreck as exhilarating, likening it to uncovering a 16th-century portrait in Red Bay with his hands.
Originally from Trois-Rivières, Que., Grenier obtained a master’s degree in classics from Laval University before joining Parks Canada, where he made significant contributions to the emerging field of underwater archaeology. He passed away on Jan. 3 in Gatineau, Que., at the age of 88.
Grenier first learned about the San Juan in 1974 from Selma Barkham, who was conducting archival research in Spain. Despite being occupied with studying the British ship HMS Sapphire in Bay Bulls, N.L., Grenier eventually led his team to Red Bay in 1978 and located the wreck of the San Juan within a few days of searching.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, Grenier emphasized that the San Juan was not comparable to the Titanic, as it was found in shallow waters near Saddle Island in Red Bay. The vessel’s preservation was attributed to the cold, icy waters of the North and being pushed into the mud by ice.
Keith Pike, the town manager of Red Bay, vividly recalled the arrival of Memorial University and Parks Canada officials, along with Grenier and his team, when the ship was discovered. Grenier’s work was not only commended for its archaeological significance but also for his kind and respectful demeanor towards others.
Acknowledged as a key 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. His notable achievements include leading expeditions in the Arctic to search for Sir John Franklin’s lost ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.
In recognition of his contributions, Grenier was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada in 2004 and chaired an UNESCO scientific committee on the preservation of 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.
