Death of 15-year-old SJI International student being investigated as ‘negligent death’, say Maldives police

The death of a Singaporean student during a school trip in the Maldives is under investigation as a case of negligent death. On 22 July 2025, the Maldives Police Service confirmed to Singapore state media CNA that Jenna Ariane Zhi-En Chan’s death is the subject of an active investigation. Jenna, aged 15, was a student at St Joseph’s Institution International (SJII). She died on 8 November 2024 while on a National Youth Achievement Award expedition. According to Maldivian outlet The Edition, Jenna was fatally struck by the propeller of a reversing boat while snorkelling near Dhigurah Island in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. Since then, her family has repeatedly voiced concerns over the lack of clarity surrounding the incident and the slow progress in obtaining official information.

Family left without answers

In an email response to CNA, Maldivian police confirmed that Jenna’s family has been updated on the investigation via email. However, they have not received any official documents. Jenna’s parents have told media that information from both Maldivian authorities and SJII has been minimal. The family remains concerned about the significant delay in uncovering what led to their daughter’s death.

School says it made efforts

SJII has maintained that it has attempted to piece together a full account of the incident. Michael Johnston, the school’s CEO, said SJII has repeatedly requested documents from the Maldivian authorities but has not received any. He added that the school has no access to evidence from the Maldivian boat crew or staff from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), which conducted the trip. This lack of access has made it impossible for the school to obtain a complete picture of the tragedy. The Maldivian police stated that the family “informally requested to meet and question certain individuals connected to the case”. They added that under Maldivian law, the police cannot facilitate such meetings. However, Jenna’s father Alan Chan clarified in a Facebook post that the family did not make such a request. Instead, he said the school tried to arrange the meeting.

Initial report included

Police confirmed that an initial report from the MWSRP, which organised the trip, has been received and forms part of the investigation. Authorities are also reviewing standard operating procedures related to the incident and other documents from state institutions. They emphasised that all developments are being discussed with the Prosecutor General’s Office. This is to ensure that if negligence is found, appropriate legal action will be taken once the investigation concludes.

Identity of tour operator withheld

At this stage, the Maldives Police Service has declined to name the tour operator involved. They explained that the police are still verifying the authenticity and roles of the parties responsible for organising the programme in the Maldives. Relevant information is still being compiled before further details can be disclosed. In May 2025, Maldivian police officers travelled to Singapore to interview four students and a teacher who were on the trip with Jenna. Johnston confirmed that SJII facilitated these interviews with the police.

MOE not investigating SJII’s school management, citing safety protocol adherence

Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) announced last week that it will not be investigating SJII’s handling of the incident. MOE cited that SJII is a privately funded school and operates independently of Singapore’s mainstream education system. It also noted that the school had adhered to its overseas trip safety protocols. Frustrated by what he describes as regulatory loopholes, Jenna’s father has launched a petition urging the government to tighten oversight of Privately Funded Schools (PFS). The petition calls for mandatory, transparent reporting requirements and standardised safety measures for all schools, regardless of their funding source. As of now, the petition has garnered 1,952 signatures. Alan Chan argued that SJII has avoided external scrutiny by relying on its internal protocols. In his words, “SJII wrote its own procedures, followed its own rules, and walked away without scrutiny. MOE will not step in—even when a child has died on an international school trip.”

Family releases documentary update

Jenna’s family has also released an update to their video titled Tides of Injustice. The film highlights the circumstances of Jenna’s death and the unanswered questions that remain. It also calls attention to what the family views as broader systemic issues that have not yet been addressed by the school or relevant authorities. The family continues to call for accountability and stronger safety measures for future school trips.