Abstract: A grapple of rugged construction capable of being towed along the ocean bed for recovery of underwater communication cables; having a scoop with suitable inserts to furrow and "scoop up" cable. Guided, cable is forced into a "floating" and "stationary" clamping assembly. Cable tension acts against a spring-loaded trigger releasing liquid/gas actuating a "wedge/block" via a gas cylinder and piston. The "wedge/block" driven between "floating clamps" having interchangeable inserts, firmly clamps the cable. A signal is transmitted. If the cable is to be uncut the CCC&C is hauled aboard tow vessel, cable intact. If desired to cut cable on a particular side of CCC&C before recovery, diagonally-opposed knives and liquid/gas cylinders are pre-set before submergence. Cutting is accomplished by release of liquid/gas to "hydraulic fluid/gas cylinders" with free-floating pistons.