From: 	Erik L. Schweitzer[SMTP:elschwei@mtu.edu]

Maybe they breached due to Plot neccessity?

How about luring them to the springs without their hardsuits. That might work.
  

Maybe a few Boomers should be on hand to soften them up first.  Or maybe

the tentacles could have spikes that rip into the armor.  Or they could
knock the helmets off.  (Not likely to hapen to all four, though.)<<

If I recall correctly, those hardsuit are designed to fight Boomers, correct? Therefore, they shouldn't fall apart so easily during combat with Boomers. As for spikes, I don't know.....