Family Sues School Over Student's Death in Maldives
This lawsuit was filed to hold the school accountable for negligence, asserting that ensuring student safety is a fundamental responsibility of the institution. The Grade 9 student tragically passed away while swimming to observe whale sharks near ADh. Dhigurah.
Jenna Chan is known for her cheerful personality. When Grade 9 students at Saint Joseph’s Institution (SJI) were offered the opportunity to participate in an overseas experiential learning trip, Jenna chose to visit the Maldives. | Alicia Chan
The family of a schoolgirl who died during an experiential school trip to the Maldives in 2024 has filed a negligence lawsuit against her school, St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJI International). According to a statement released by the family’s lawyers on July 20, the case has been submitted to the country’s High Court.
Jenna Chan, a 15-year-old Grade 9 student, passed away on November 8, 2024, during a trip to the Maldives organized under the National Youth Achievement Award program.
According to the Singaporean newspaper The Straits Times, Jenna passed away after being struck by a boat propeller while snorkeling. The snorkeling activity during this trip was organized by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP).
A photograph of a whale shark captured by Jenna Chan. | Jenna Chan
Jenna's parents, Jennifer Liaw and Alan Chan, are being represented in their lawsuit against the school by Jennifer Lim of Duxton Hill Chambers, Jonathan Muk of Noosa Chambers, and the legal team from Providence Law Asia LLC.
Although the family's statement did not disclose the specific amount of compensation being sought, the High Court typically hears civil cases only when the damages claimed exceed $250,000.
In a statement issued by Jenna’s parents, they emphasized that the primary objective of the lawsuit is to ensure that no other family has to endure the same agonizing experience they have faced. The lawsuit asserts that since Jenna was under the school’s supervision during a mandatory school trip, the responsibility for ensuring her safety was a non-delegable duty of the institution.
The parents' statement further emphasized that pursuing legal action was a last resort, decided upon only after all other efforts to ensure accountability had failed. The statement also noted that the lawsuit was filed following more than 20 months of extensive attempts to hold the relevant parties responsible through various other means.
Reports indicate that Jenna died after being struck by the propeller of a speedboat reversing near ADh. Dhigurah, while she was in the water for whale shark watching.
This trip is part of SJII’s outdoor education program. It is reportedly a mandatory requirement for Grade 9 students and a prerequisite for promotion to the following academic year.
