A connector for use underwater or in a wet or severe environment is provided. A first connector part and a second connector part of the connector are adapted to have a mated position in which the first connector part and the second connector part are engaged with each other for establishing a connection. A locking mechanism of the connector is adapted to lock the first connector part to the second connector part in a mated position. The first connector part has a handle portion. The first connector part is configured such that by manipulating the handle portion of the first connector part, the first connector part can be disengaged from the second connector part when the locking mechanism is in a released state. The locking mechanism has a release element which is separate from the handle portion.
