An apparatus for retrieving a cable or pipe buried under water in bed material comprises a shank (2) having a first surface and a fluke member (5) having a second surface. When the apparatus is towed in a towing direction, the fluke member (5) and shank (2) become buried in the bed material to a predetermined depth suitable for retrieving the cable or pipe. The first and second surfaces are arranged such that under normal working conditions the interaction between the material and at least the first and second surfaces generate opposing forces in these surfaces causing the apparatus to be maintained at substantially the predetermined depth. The apparatus may also be adapted for burial of a cable or pipe by ploughing a furrow in the bed material into which the cable or pipe is supplied using guiding means.