Abstract: An apparatus for disintegrating and removing layers of earth, especially under water, comprising a housing in which at least one volute compartment is formed, which is open on the underside and which accommodates a rotor which comprises disintegrators and which is rotatable about an axis that is at least substantially perpendicular to a plane through the lower edge of the compartment. The rotor is coupled to a drive mechanism, the volute compartment being connected near its throat to a discharge system. The housing may be suspended from a moving device.