Remembering FLIP, the US Navy’s self-sinking research ship

[Tony]

There are few things in this world that are literally unique. One of these, in the true sense of the word, is the FLoating Instrument Platform (FLIP), which was a floating barge built for the US Navy that regularly sank itself on end for science.

If you went sailing off the US West Coast in the 1960s, you might have come across the alarming sight of a ship that looked as if it was going full Titanic and was about to disappear under the waves for good. As you changed course to offer assistance, you wouldn't see a flotilla of lifeboats or hear a small band playing Nearer My God to Thee. Instead, you'd probably be greeted by a man leaning bemusedly on an odd-looking rail.