Abstract: A device connected to an underwater cable by means of a sacrificial latch mechanism that breaks to protect the housing of the device from irreparable damage due to collisions with jetsam or other objects. The underwater device is connected to a cable having mounting elements disposed along its length. The device includes a housing and a latch body attached to the housing by a retainer, such as a set screw. A locking member extends from the latch body to engage the mounting element. A sacrificial element, such as a thin portion of the latch body or a frangible portion of the retainer, gives way in response to a predetermined force acting to separate the device from the cable before the force can damage the housing.