A British-Singaporean teenager was reportedly killed in a tragic snorkelling accident involving a boat propeller while on a school trip in the Maldives.
Jenna Chan, 15, is said to have died on November 8 while assisting the British charity Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, according to The Sun.
The St Joseph's International Institution student was reportedly "sucked under" when the propeller of a stationary boat was turned on after students had been given the all-clear to enter the water.
Her parents, Alan Chan and Jennifer Liauw, have said they are still “waiting for answers” and criticised the school’s anti-mobile phone policy, which left them unable to contact their daughter throughout the trip.
Jenna’s sister Alice Chan had launched a fundraiser to try and find out more information.
She wrote on a GoFundMe page: “There has been silence from the Maldivian government and all news about her has ceased. The circumstances leading to her sudden death and negligence of the company are truly shocking to our family and her teenage friends, who witnessed her death.”
“Please help support us during this tough time for our family and loved ones, and spread the word about her case,” she added.
“All donations will go towards our fight for Jenna and protection of all future children and tourists, by providing our Maldivian lawyers with the legal fees and financial support to take more cases just like this one.”
A report by the Maldives police rereported in The Times said: “On 8th November 2024, during [an] excursion while snorkelling between Lux Maldives Resort and Dhidoo, an incident occurred and Miss Jenna [Chan] was struck by the boat’s propellers.”
It was reported that the students had been hoping to swim with dolphins on the trip and that Jenna had followed the instructions that she had been given.
“It’s almost Christmas and we still have no answers. We want to know what happened. The whole truth [and] if somebody was negligent,” Mr Chan said.
“Jenna was just sunshine. She was the warmest, smiliest person. She held the family together for us. She was her sister Alisha’s soulmate. She wanted to be a geriatrician because she loved old people. She was always helpful.”
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who died in the Maldives and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Richard Rees, managing director of the charity, said: “The accident occurred while students were involved in marine activities offshore.
“The emergency services immediately attended the incident. The whole team at the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event. The student’s family and friends continue to be in our thoughts.”
