Benthos and Coda Octopus to Jointly Develop Stingray ROV and Echoscope II System for Port and Harbor Security.

NORTH FALMOUTH, Mass. -- BENTHOS, INC. (NASDAQ: BTHS) and Coda Octopus Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets - CDOC) jointly announced today that they have signed a letter of intent to enter into a joint development and marketing agreement (JD&M agreement) to develop, manufacture, market and sell an underwater inspection class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that integrates the Stingray ROV and the Echoscope II. The proposed product will be targeted at the Port and Harbor Security Market.

The Benthos Stingray ROV is an inspection class ROV designed to be easily configured for numerous tasks. Stingray is a vehicle that can be deployed and recovered by one person from any stable platform. With its cameras, lights and ancillary sensors, the Stingray provides the perfect tool for underwater video inspection.

The Coda Octopus Echoscope II is a unique, patented technology delivering forward looking, high resolution, 3D images underwater in real time. Echoscope employs a highly innovative multi-element transducer design, high-speed digital signal processing, advanced sonar beam forming techniques and intuitive image display software.

The Stingray ROV and Echoscope II package will provide rapid wide area collection of high-resolution 3D images. Once a suspicious object is identified using the 3D images provided by the Echoscope II, the Stingray ROV video camera could then be used for real-time close-up inspection and classification of the object. This combined system will be easy to operate and provide a fully integrated solution for underwater port and harbor security missions, including ship hull inspections, pier surveys and general harbor security monitoring.

The development of the integrated Stingray ROV and Echoscope II will provide a unique inspection vehicle with high maneuverability and high-resolution detection capabilities, fulfilling a Port and Harbor Security need that has been clearly expressed by numerous agencies such as navies, coast guards, port authorities, and customs services.

Benthos, Inc., through its Undersea Systems Division, designs, manufactures, sells and services a variety of oceanographic products for underwater tasks; and through its TapTone Package Inspection Systems Division makes systems for testing consumer packages made of glass, metal or plastic. The common stock of the Company is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap market under the symbol BTHS. For more information, Benthos can be found on the Internet at www.benthos.com.

Coda Octopus Group Inc. is recognized internationally as a specialist in underwater hardware and software technologies for imaging, survey and automating mapping tasks in unmanned underwater vehicles as well as a leading supplier of custom geophysical survey solutions. Coda Octopus added the unique and leading edge 3-D "Echoscope" sonar product line last year.

Forward Looking Statements

The statements in this news release relating to plans, strategies, economic performance and trends and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Securities Laws. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations, which are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties and are difficult to predict. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors which include: the timing of large project orders, competitive factors, shifts in customer demand, government spending, economic cycles, availability of financing, regulatory changes and other factors. More information about these factors is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly review or update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of future developments, newly acquired information or other matters.