Parents of teenager who died during 2024 Maldives school trip sue SJI International
The parents of Jenna Chan, a 15-year-old student who died during a school expedition to the Maldives in November 2024, filed a lawsuit against St Joseph's Institution International (SJII) alleging negligence. The family claims the school failed to assess the safety of the…
Intelligence analysis by Llama

The parents of a 15-year-old student who died during a school trip to the Maldives have filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging negligence. The family claims the school failed to ensure the safety of their child and withheld information about the incident.
A 15-year-old girl named Jenna died during a school trip to the Maldives. Her parents are suing the school, saying they didn't do enough to keep her safe. The school had promised to have emergency plans in place, but they didn't tell the parents what really happened. This is a big deal because it shows how important it is for schools to take care of their students and be honest with parents.
Analysis
A Tragic Incident in the Maldives
The death of 15-year-old Jenna Chan during a school expedition to the Maldives in November 2024 has left her family and the educational community reeling. The incident has sparked a lawsuit against St Joseph's Institution International (SJII), alleging negligence on the part of the school. The family claims that the school failed to assess the safety of the destination, properly vet the excursion provider, and ensure suitable supervision during the excursion.
According to the family's statement of claim, the boat's engine was engaged, and Jenna was struck by the vessel's rotating propeller. The lawsuit alleges that the school gave parents repeated assurances about safety, including that it had 'all emergency procedures in place' to address 'every single scenario that can happen.' However, the family claims that the school withheld information after Jenna's death, refusing to allow the parents to meet the two accompanying teachers or to provide them with the school's investigation findings despite repeated requests.
Accountability and Transparency
The lawsuit raises important questions about the accountability of educational institutions. The family's decision to pursue legal action is a testament to their desire for answers and justice. The school's response to the incident has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The lawsuit highlights the need for schools to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, particularly when it comes to extracurricular activities like school trips.
Implications for Schools and Parents
The incident and subsequent lawsuit have significant implications for schools and parents. Schools must prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, ensuring that they have adequate supervision and emergency procedures in place. Parents, too, must be vigilant and ask questions about the safety of school trips and the measures in place to protect their children.
Key points
- The parents of a 15-year-old student who died during a school trip to the Maldives have filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging negligence.
- The family claims the school failed to assess the safety of the destination, properly vet the excursion provider, and ensure suitable supervision during the excursion.
- The school had promised to have emergency plans in place, but they didn't tell the parents what really happened.
- The lawsuit raises important questions about the accountability of educational institutions and the need for schools to prioritize student safety and well-being.
The lawsuit may lead to changes in the way schools plan and execute extracurricular activities, prioritizing student safety and well-being. This could result in improved safety protocols and increased transparency in schools.
The lawsuit may lead to a lengthy and costly legal battle, potentially damaging the reputation of the school and its staff. This could also lead to a culture of fear and defensiveness in schools, making it harder for them to admit mistakes and learn from them.


