The family of a British schoolgirl who was killed during a school trip to the Maldives has filed a negligence lawsuit against her school, claiming serious safety failures led to her death.
Jenna Chan, 15, died on November 8, 2024, after being struck by a boat’s propeller while taking part in a marine conservation programme organised with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP).
According to the lawsuit, Jenna had only just entered the water when she was hit by the propeller beneath the boat. She was pulled from the water by her classmates.
Her parents said Jenna briefly regained consciousness and whispered, “Help me,” before she later died at Dhigurah Health Centre, less than an hour after the incident.
On Monday, Jenna’s parents, Jennifer Liauw and Alan Chan, filed a negligence claim in Singapore’s High Court against St Joseph’s Institution International Ltd and the MWSRP.
The lawsuit was filed on what would have been Jenna’s 17th birthday.
Her parents alleged the school failed in its duty of care by allowing the boat’s engine to remain running while students were in the water.
They also claimed the guides failed to properly supervise the students, as they were not close enough to prevent or respond immediately when Jenna was struck.
The lawsuit further alleged the boat crew failed to promptly alert emergency medical services or provide adequate life-saving treatment while transporting Jenna for medical care.
Jenna’s parents said they had spent more than a year seeking answers from the school but received little information about its investigation into the incident.
“This claim is about accountability, and about making sure Jenna is the last,” her mother said.
According to the court filing, the school’s lawyers previously argued that the school did not owe Jenna a “positive non-delegable duty of care” against the risk of harm during the overseas programme.
The case remains before the Singapore High Court.
