What phenomenon is suggested to cause ships to sink suddenly in the Bermuda Triangle?

The suggestion that sudden releases of methane gas may cause ships to sink in the Bermuda Triangle is based on the idea that pockets of methane hydrate exist on the ocean floor. When these gas pockets are disturbed, they can release large amounts of gas into the water column. This rapid release of gas can decrease the density of the water, resulting in a loss of buoyancy for any vessels floating above, potentially leading to their sinking. This phenomenon offers a scientific explanation for some of the mysterious disappearances associated with the area, providing a plausible mechanism through which ships can be overwhelmed unexpectedly.

In contrast, while strong currents, unexpected storms, and magnetic anomalies can contribute to maritime hazards, they do not offer the same specific mechanism for rapid sinking that the release of methane gas does. Strong currents might lead to vessel capsizing, storms can cause rough seas, and magnetic anomalies might interfere with navigation, but these scenarios do not directly correlate with sudden and catastrophic sinking in the same way that the release of methane does.