The parents of 15-year-old Jenna Chan, who tragically passed away during a school trip to the Maldives, are expressing their frustration over the lack of communication regarding the circumstances of their daughter’s death. Eight months have passed since the incident occurred on November 8, during a National Youth Achievement Award expedition, where Jenna was struck fatally by a boat’s propeller while snorkeling near Dhigurah Island.
Jenna was a student at St Joseph’s Institution International (SJII), and her parents have reported minimal updates from both the Maldivian authorities and the school. While SJII has stated that it is diligently working to gather all relevant information about the incident, the school’s CEO, Michael Johnston, revealed that they have yet to receive any documentation or details from Maldivian officials. The school is also seeking access to evidence from both the Maldivian boat crew and the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), the organization responsible for the trip.
Dr. Johnston emphasized that the school has made considerable efforts to understand the full scope of the tragic event and has maintained contact with Jenna’s family while being sensitive to their grief. He assured that SJII is committed to uncovering the truth.
Additionally, Singapore’s Ministry of Education has stated that it will not be investigating SJII’s procedures concerning the incident, citing the school’s compliance with its overseas trip safety protocols. It recognized that as a privately funded institution, SJII operates independently from the public education system.
This situation underscores the importance of transparency and communication in the aftermath of such tragedies. While the family’s desire for answers is entirely understandable, it is crucial that the entities involved work together to bring clarity and resolution to this heartbreaking case.