Abstract: The wireline release includes a shaft having one end releasably connected to the end of the wireline by a connector and being held in the latched position by a fusible material ring. Upon activating heaters in the cable head from the surface via conductors in the wireline, the fusible material ring is melted allowing the shaft, under the tension of the wireline, to shift to an unlatched position whereby the connector releases the wireline from the shaft and cable head. The connector includes a plurality of collet members which, in the latched position, are biased into the connection with the end of the wireline and are then released upon being shifted to the unlatched position where the collet members move to a disengaged position.