Jenna Chan, 15, at the airport before the Maldives trip in November 2024 - Photo: Jennifer Liauw

The family of a 15-year-old Singaporean student who lost her life during a school excursion in the Maldives has launched a lawsuit against St Joseph's Institution International (SJII), accusing the school of negligence.

The legal move comes nearly two years after the fatal snorkeling accident, which took place near Dhigurah Island in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. According to Channel News Asia (CNA), Jenna Chan's parents took the case to Singapore’s High Court on July 20—the day their daughter would have turned 17—after spending over 20 months demanding answers from the school without success.

The tragic accident occurred on 8 November 2024, during a mandatory school trip managed by a UK charity. According to the lawsuit, Jenna entered the sea with her teachers' permission. Moments later, the boat’s engine was started, and she was struck by the moving propeller. Despite the teachers quickly pulling her out of the water, she was pronounced dead just 15 minutes after arriving at the Dhigurah Health Centre.

Jenna’s family claims the school completely failed in its duty to protect their daughter. The lawsuit states that the school did not properly review the safety

of the Maldivian excursion, failed to supervise the water activities safely, and went back on earlier promises that full emergency plans were in place.

The parents also expressed deep frustration with the school's response after the tragedy. They allege that the school kept them in the dark, refused to let them speak with the teachers who were on the boat, and hid the findings of their internal investigation. Meanwhile, the school's legal team has argued that the institution cannot be held directly responsible for protecting the student during the third-party operated trip.