apparatus for removing oil from the surface of a body of water including , an at least partially flexible , elongated chamber having an open , at least partially submerged front for receiving water and oil thereinto during relative movement between the chamber and the body of water ; at least one cable for folding the chamber , the cable being slidably connected to at least one extremity of the chamber and fixedly connected to the other extremity of the chamber ; and at least two inclinable ramps for launching and retrieving the chamber with a vessel of opportunity .