A method is provided for cutting and removing underwater pipelines. The method comprises (a) determining the position of the underwater pipeline to be removed;(b) positioning, on the line a guide for positioning a cutter and a device for recovering the cut pipe sections, the guide being able to be repositioned along the line and being stably connected to a boat intended to collect the recovered sections; (c) guided positioning of the cutter and guided positioning of the device for recovering the cut pipe; (d) cutting of the pipe section of predetermined length and subsequent removal of the section by using the device for recovering the cut pipe; (e) transfer of the pipe section recovered by the recovery device to the boat; and (f) repositioning of the guide along the remaining line portion to be removed and repetition of the preceding steps(c) to(e) until the underwater pipeline has been completely removed. An apparatus for implementing this method is also provided.