A method of removing a pipe, such as a caisson, from a body of water, after the platform has been removed which includes the steps of a high pressure head having a lifting padeye is secured to the upper end of the caisson; the caisson is then flooded with water; pressure is applied to the water column, so that a sufficient hydraulic force against the surface of the water bottom within the caisson to force the caisson to move upward; if the caisson moves upward to the level of the top of a crane, the caisson is cut off above the water line and the cut portion is removed; the process is repeated on the remaining portion of the caisson in the water, until the entire caisson is finally removed from the water. This process could also be used in removal of pilings from multi-leg jackets.