A method of positioning on the sea floor, from a floating vessel, an unlaid end portion of a pipe that is being laid from its other end on the sea floor is disclosed. The method includes lowering the unlaid end portion of the pipe to a lowered position above the sea floor. Transfer of the load of the unlaid end portion of the pipe occurs from the lowering device to a line for suspending the unlaid end portion of the pipe. Lowering the line for suspending and the unlaid end portion of the pipe occurs. There is disclosed a corresponding method of recovery as well as associated apparatus. A method for effecting a subsea connection between one line and an object suspended below the surface of the sea by another line and associated apparatus are disclosed.