An ambitious plan is being pursued by maritime enthusiasts on Kangaroo Island, south of Adelaide, to build a replica of what they believe was the first ship built in South Australia.

A chance meeting between French explorer Nicholas Baudin and sealers from the United States in 1803 led to the American crew heading to Kangaroo Island and naming the island's American River area.

The 14-metre schooner Independence was built there by Captain Isaac Pendleton and the crew of sealers from the American brig Union.

Source: ABC