Family sues SJI International over student’s death on Maldives school trip

The family of Jenna Chan has sued St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJII), alleging negligence after the 15-year-old died during a compulsory school expedition to the Maldives in 2024.

The claim was filed in the General Division of the Singapore High Court on Monday (20 July), which would have been Ms Chan’s 17th birthday.

Parents say lawsuit is a last resort

In a press release sent to MS News, Ms Chan’s parents, Jennifer Liauw and Alan Chan, said they turned to legal action after spending more than 20 months seeking answers about their daughter’s death.

Ms Liauw said the family had repeatedly asked the school to work with them to establish what happened, but claimed that “every door was closed”.

She added that the lawsuit was about accountability and ensuring that “Jenna is the last”.

The incident occurred on 8 Nov 2024 during a whale shark excursion in the South Ari Marine Protected Area.

The expedition was part of SJII’s Outdoor Education programme, which the family’s press release described as compulsory for Grade 9 students and a requirement for promotion to the next academic year.

According to the Statement of Claim, Ms Chan entered the water with another student before the boat’s engine was engaged.

The claim states that she was struck by the vessel’s propeller and later brought back onto the boat with the help of other students.

It adds that she briefly regained consciousness and whispered...