Acoustic monitoring of the sinking of the lebaron russell briggs

On 18 August 1970 the WW II Liberty Ship SS LeBARON RUSSELL BRIGGS, loaded with 12,500 M-55 rockets containing nerve gas, was scuttled in 16,600 feet of water 282 miles east of Jacksonville, Florida. Hydrophones and tape recorders were used to monitor the sinking of the BRIGGS. A recording made 2,000 feet from the submergence location was analyzed and 14 events located. The 14 events were identified and their probable causes determined. Based on the recorded signals, it was concluded that there was no significant release of nerve gas during the plunge to the bottom.