Abstract: An automatic grapple comprising a hollow body and a slide suspended by a maneuvering cable with axially spaced portions to transform the relative movement of the slide to a displacement of gripping arms for engaging an object to be seized. The slide carries a locking member having variable orientation modified in a lower position of the slide. The position of extension or retraction of the arms is controlled by the axially spaced portions which have different diameters. The relative position of these portions is determined to permit rotation of the locking member only if the arms can be engaged in the object to be seized or is totally disengaged therefrom.