Multi-component robot for below ice search and rescue

A remotely-controlled apparatus adapted for surface motion and deploying an underwater search mechanism, comprising:

• a first ROV (remotely operated vehicle) adapted for underwater motion and including a sensor capable of providing a sensor signal indicative of an underwater condition;
• a second ROV adapted for surface motion;
• and
• a remotely operated deployment system attached to the second ROV and communicatively coupled to the first ROV, wherein the deployment system includes an extensible tether attached to the first ROV at a distal end, and wherein the deployment system is adapted for deploying the first ROV underwater and retrieving the first ROV from the water, for providing power signals to the first ROV, and for receiving the sensor signal from the first ROV.