A connector for tying back a riser from a subsea wellhead to a platform, wherein the wellhead has an internal wellhead housing with external grooves thereon. The connector having a plurality of dog members carried within a cavity which engage the external grooves. The dog members are actuated by axial movement of a piston linked to a cam ring. The connector has a plurality of transfer members located within the cavity to support the dog members and transfer upward loading to the wellhead housing during tension on one side due to bending. Further, the connector has a release ring which forces the dog members out of engagement with the external grooves when the connector is released.