In 1980 with the assistance of Royal Navy mine sweepers the Museum initiated a search for the wreck of Holland I. The following year on the 14 April 1981 H.M.S.Bossington reported a possible contact. A naval diving team were immediately brought to the site. At 2.15 in the morning the Diving Officer sent the following signal.

"(the wreck) confirmed as a submarine of correct dimensions for Holland Class"

 A year later a salvage vessel carefully placed Holland I on the bottom of No 12 Dock, Devonport . As the water slowly drained down daylight shone onto the conning tower of Submarine No.1 for the first time in 69 years.