[2] The 16-foot 1-ton model was a scaled-down version of the Fenian Ram intended for experiments to help him improve navigation.

The theft also included the Fenian Ram, a successful submarine they had commissioned.

The Fenian Brotherhood stole away with the two submarines up the East River in New York City.

Near Whitestone Point in Queens, New York, the Holland III started to take on water through her turret, causing her to slow down, stretching and subsequently breaking the rope between it and the Fenian Ram.

The prototype soon sank in 110 feet of water, and has not been recovered, despite efforts, most recently by the National Underwater and Marine Agency.