A top-secret Soviet spy satellite -- using stolen Western technology -- malfunctions and then goes into a descent that lands it near an isolated Arctic research encampment called Ice Station Zebra, belonging to the British, which starts sending out distress signals before falling silent. The atomic submarine Tigerfish, commanded by Cmdr. James Ferraday, is dispatched to save them.

Rock Hudsonas Cdr. James Ferraday
Ernest Borgnineas Boris Vaslov
Patrick McGoohanas David Jones
Jim Brownas Capt. Leslie Anders
Tony Billas Lt. Russell Walker
Alf Kjellinas Col. Ostrovsky
Gerald S. O'Loughlinas Lt. Cdr. Bob Raeburn
Ted Hartleyas Lt. Jonathan Hansen
Murray Roseas Lt. George Mills
Daniel L. Fapp