Maldivian police investigating case of S'porean teen killed on school trip as 'negligent death'

The Maldivian police is investigating the case of 15-year-old Jenna Chan, a Singaporean student who died during a school trip to the Maldives last November, as a "case of negligent death".

The police added that Jenna Chan's family have been kept informed of the investigation process through email, CNA reported.

Jenna's father, Alan Chan, told Mothership that they were told that the Maldivian police were investigating the case, and no further details.

They were not aware that the police were investigating the incident as a "case of negligent death".

"That's news to us," Chan said, adding that he'd only learnt of this through the news report.

In a Jul. 14 email to the family, the Maldivian police said they were collecting information from "several state institutions", the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), and the school itself.

Similarly in their press release, they said their officers travelled to Singapore in May to obtain statements from a student and teacher.

Died on a school trip

Jenna, a student at St. Joseph's Institution International (SJII), died from her injuries after being hit by a boat propeller during the expedition.

She'd been out on a boat trip to swim with the dolphins.

Michael Johnston, chief executive officer of SJII, previously told Mothership that the school had contacted the Maldivian authorities for investigation results, to no avail.

The results would have been used for a review of its protocols for overseas expeditions.

"Despite repeated requests, the school has not been provided with any information and/or documents from the Maldivian authorities relating to their investigations and findings," he said.

The incident took place eight months ago.

The Singapore Police Force has also been rendering assistance the Maldivian authorities with the investigation, according to a previous statement from the Ministry of Education.

But Singapore authorities do not have legal jurisdiction to investigate incidents that take place outside of Singapore.

Verifying information

In its response to CNA, the Maldivian police added that they are analysing the standard operating procedures relating to the incident, as well as documents from other state institutions.

An initial report prepared by the MWSRP — the British-registered organisers of the boat trip — is also being assessed as part of the investigation.

They are currently still verifying the authenticity and role of the parties primarily responsible for organising the programme.

"Once the relevant documentation is complete, further information will be disclosed," the Maldivian police said.

They added that if any party is found to be negligent, "appropriate legal action will be taken upon conclusion of the case".

Top image from justiceforjenna website