An apparatus is disclosed for laying cables below a sea bed or an ocean bed. Energy is supplied from a surface vessel to said apparatus, allowing said apparatus to vibrate with sufficient energy to produce a localised fluidized region. The cable is then placed into the sea bed by directing it into said fluidized region. Although energy is required to produce the fluidized region, the energy required to tow the apparatus and effect the laying processes is substantially reduced, compared to previously known techniques.