Archaeologist Robert Grenier, discoverer of San Juan, dies at 88

Robert Grenier, a pioneering underwater archaeologist, passed away on January 3 at 88 in Gatineau, Quebec. He is renowned for leading the discovery of the Basque whaling ship San Juan, which sank in 1565 in Red Bay, Labrador. Grenier, a former chief of Parks Canada’s underwater archaeology unit, was also involved in expeditions to locate Sir John Franklin’s ships and received the Order of Canada in 2004. His work has significantly contributed to underwater archaeology and cultural heritage conservation.