Release of subsea clamp connector by waterjet cutting of drive screw

A waterjet cutting tool effective for cutting a drive screw in a clamp connector, the waterjet cutting tool comprising:

• an axially elongated lance comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an outer diameter sized to enable the lance to fit inside a bore extending longitudinally along the axis of a drive screw configured to move clamp segments of a subsea clamp to close the clamp;
• an ROV tool engageable interface at the first end of the lance;
• a nozzle proximal to the second end of the lance;
• and
• at least two conduits in fluid communication with the nozzle and configured to channel high-pressure water and abrasive, respectively, to the nozzle from supply connections external to the lance,
• wherein both lance and the nozzle are configured to traverse and rotate within the bore of the drive screw to cut away material on an inner surface of the drive screw defining the bore at spaced locations along the axis of the drive screw to sever the drive screw and open the clamp.