The SJI International student who died during a school trip to the Maldives was a 15-year-old Singaporean

On By Pranco

SINGAPORE: The student of St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) International who died during a school trip to the Maldives has been identified as 15-year-old Singaporean Jenna Chan.

CNA reported Friday (Nov. 8) that the trip was related to a whale shark research project.

According to Maldivian news channel The Edition, the teenager was snorkeling when she was hit by a boat off Dhigurah island, about 100 km southwest of the capital Male.

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the death of a Singaporean Grade 9 student, 15-year-old Jenna Chan, during a National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) overseas expedition in the Maldives,” said Dr. Michael Johnston, general manager of SJI International. An officer told CNA in an update on Saturday.

“Our thoughts go out to Jenna’s family, friends and the entire school community at this tragic time.”

The student’s family traveled to Male with a team led by the high school principal.

“We have also activated our on-campus grief support and counseling services for our wider school community this weekend and beyond,” Dr Johnston said, adding that he cannot provide further information as investigations by Maldivian authorities are ongoing.

“Our priority remains supporting Jenna’s family and our students and staff during this difficult time. We also strive to respect the family’s privacy during their grieving period.”

According to the SJI International website, the school offers outdoor education programs – called “expeditions” – for the elementary and middle school divisions.

The National Youth Achievement Award is a mandatory part of the Grade 9 curriculum, the website said.

A post on the school’s Facebook page in November 2023 showed Year 9 students discussing “deep sea snorkeling and resilience lessons” in the Maldives, as well as others in Japan and Langkawi in Malaysia.

CNA has contacted the Maldives Police and Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.