An apparatus for and method of reliably separating the male and female members of a coupling may be used in high pressure conditions. A release collar (201) has an actuator (301), a release sleeve flange (303), and a ring (305). The actuator (301) described is thinner than those utilized in known release sleeves, and may be advantageously located in closer proximity to the male member (101) than to the female member (103), such that the actuator may radially expand between the male and female members. The actuator (301) may be comprised of a cylindrical annulus and/or fingers disposed in a circular pattern. The ring (305) may have a lip (307) that allows the release collar (201) to remain with the female member (103).