Abstract: A cable drum of the type which is penetrated from end to end by a central hole is provided with means for supporting the drum in an up-ended position on a cushion of pressurised fluid, (e.g. water). The said means comprise a flexible skirt of annular form disposed around the periphery of what, in use, is the lower end of the drum so as to define a cushion space, and water pump means whereby pressurised water can be supplied to said cushion space by way of the said central hole so as to support said drum.The invention also comprises a method of unreeling a cable from a cable drum of the type which is penetrated from end to end by a central hole, comprising the steps of disposing the drum on a surface in an upright position, forming at least one cushion of pressurised fluid (e.g. water) beneath the lower end of the drum and allowing the drum to rotate about an upright axis whilst supported by said cushion.