a submersible connector of the plug and receptacle type intended for use in environments characterized in having high or variable pressures includes a fluid - filled bladder into which open a plurality of ports for receiving a plurality of electrical probes . the internal environment of the bladder protects electrical contacts with which the probes mate to form electrical circuits . the integrity of the bladder environment is maintained by use of an end seal providing a radial constricting force on each of the ports , which acts to form a pressure - tight seal on a probe inserted into the port to complete an electrical connection . the integrity of the internal bladder environment is maintained when the probe is withdrawn by means of a plurality of socket assemblies , internal to the bladder , each associated with a respective one of the ports and including a movable stopper which initially protrudes through the socket assembly into the port . the constrictive force exerted through the port maintains a seal that protects the internal environment of the bladder . when a probe is inserted through the port , the probe engages the stopper and pushes it out of the port and back into the socket assembly . a return mechanism maintains a return force on the stopper acting against the probe , so that the stopper is moved into the port simultaneously with the probe being withdrawn from it .