A pipeline recovery tool (10) is made of steel plates welded together instead of forging and machining. The rigged-up tool (10) is lowered over the pipeline (40) and engaged with the pipeline (40) such that a fixed claw (34) engages the collar (38) on the pipeline. An ROV is used to cause a movable dog (16) on the tool to engage the collar and then lock the fixed claw in position. Rigging on the fixed claw side of the tool is released. The pipeline is then lifted to the surface by a lift arm (14) on the first end of the tool (10).
