The parents of a 15-year-old British girl killed in a snorkeling accident in the Maldives have filed a negligence lawsuit against her school, St. Joseph's Institution International Ltd (SJII), in Singapore's High Court. Jenna Chan died in November 2024 when she was struck by a boat's propeller while participating in a compulsory school expedition assisting the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP).
Jenna's parents, Jennifer Liauw and Alan Chan, allege serious failures in the school's duty of care, stating that the lawsuit follows more than 20 months of seeking accountability through other channels. "Every door was closed," Jennifer Liauw said. "This claim is about accountability, and about making sure Jenna is the last."
The incident occurred at the beginning of a whale shark excursion in the South Ari Marine Protected Area, a mandatory requirement for students' academic progression. According to the parents' Statement of Claim, all three MWSRP guides had left the vessel to check on a dolphin, leaving the boat's engine engaged while Jenna and another student were in the water. The parents allege that the guides were too far away to adequately supervise the students or provide timely assistance after Jenna was struck.
The claim also details alleged failings in the immediate aftermath of the accident. MWSRP and the boat crew are accused of failing to take reasonable steps to provide life-saving assistance, including not contacting emergency medical services like the Maldives Coast Guard or sea ambulance. The vessel reportedly lacked emergency contact information, procedures, and signage, and was not equipped with a propeller guard or adequate first aid and trauma response equipment.
Jenna's parents also accuse SJII of negligence in its vetting process, stating the school failed to properly assess the Maldives as a destination, despite a documented pattern of marine tourism fatalities in the area, including a fatal propeller incident the year prior to Jenna's death. They claim the school did not ensure MWSRP was a suitable vendor or that the marine activity site was safe. Despite assurances of comprehensive safety procedures, the parents allege the school failed to ensure adequate student supervision at the critical moment.
St. Joseph's Institution International has denied the allegations, stating that the claim misattributes fault to the school. In a statement, the school's CEO, Dr. Michael Johnston, said, "The school denies the allegations stated in the claim, which have misattributed fault to the school." The school maintains that it was the boat captain's action of putting the vessel into reverse after Jenna entered the water that caused the incident. The school also stated it did not agree with suggestions it was withholding information and that it had not received information from Maldivian authorities investigating the incident. The school has retained legal counsel to defend the claim and remains open to meeting with Jenna's parents.
Jenna, described by her family as "sunshine" and the "warmest, smiliest person," had aspired to become a doctor. Her family has continued to mark her 17th birthday with a memorial Mass and a celebration, emphasizing their ongoing search for answers and accountability. Jenna's older sister, Alice, had previously started a GoFundMe to raise awareness and support legal fees for the family's fight for justice.
The Singapore Ministry of Education had previously stated it would not investigate SJII, citing the school's autonomy and adherence to its safety processes for overseas trips.