A remotely operated bull rope release comprises a support, a releasable member having a spherical head and a remotely controlled release mechanism for releasing the end of the releasable member for separation from the support. The release mechanism includes a pair of gripping members pivotally mounted on the support on laterally opposite sides of the spherical head for displacement toward and away from the head and having spherical surfaces for capturing the head therebetween to hold the releasable member on the support. A latched, spring biased drive shaft is actuated to displace the gripping members in response to a control signal to release the head and to propel the releasable member away from the support.