S'porean teen girl killed by boat propeller while snorkelling during school trip in Maldives
Chin Hui Shan and Vihanya Rakshika
The Straits Times
Nov 9, 2024
A 15-year-old Singaporean student from St Joseph's Institution (SJI) International died on Nov 8 during an overseas trip in the Maldives.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, Dr Michael Johnston, the school's chief executive, said on Nov 9 that the Grade 9 student, Jenna Chan, was on a National Youth Achievement Award overseas expedition in the Indian Ocean island state.
"Our hearts go out to Jenna's family and friends and the entire school community during this tragic time," he said.
Dr Johnston said Jenna's family has travelled to Male, the capital of the Maldives, with a team - led by the high school principal - which will provide immediate support to the family, students and staff.
The school has also activated grief support and counselling services on campus for its students, he said.
"As investigations are currently under way by the Maldivian authorities, we are unable to provide further information at this time," Dr Johnston added. "Our priority remains supporting Jenna's family and our students and staff through this difficult time."
News of the incident was first reported on Nov 8 by Maldivian news outlet The Edition, which said a 15-year-old was hit by the propeller of a running boat while snorkelling. The incident happened near Alif Dhaalu Atoll's Dhigurah island, said the outlet, adding that the teenager was part of a whale shark research project.
Dhigurah - about 95km south-west of Male - is a 4km-long narrow island of lush vegetation and soft white sand beaches. Its surrounding waters are known to be a famous whale shark and manta ray area.
According to the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme website, the deep waters off the island's eastern shores are home to whale sharks and have attracted tourists and research teams from around the world.
When contacted, Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry said it is providing consular assistance and support to the girl's family and offered its condolences to them.
According to SJI International's website, students participate in grade expeditions to locations like Bintan, Krabi and Tioman as part of their outdoor education.
The Straits Times has contacted the Maldives Police Service for more information.
