The Independence , a 35-ton schooner, was the first ship constructed in South Australian waters. She was built between April and August 1803 at what is now known as American River on Kangaroo Island by the crew of the visiting American sealing ship, Union, under the command of Capt. Isaac Pendleton. Daniel Wright, the ship's carpenter was in charge of the construction of Independence. On 15 June 1805 the Independence set sail from Sydney for the Antipodes Islands and was never seen again. The Sydney Gazette reported the loss on 16 March 1806.