EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our reports dated October 24, 1997
included in Benthos, Inc.'s Form 10-KSB for the year ended September 30, 1997
and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.

                                    ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Boston, Massachusetts
July 27, 1998