British Girl Killed on Maldives School Trip Sues Institution
· news
Devastated Parents of British Girl Killed on Maldives School Trip Sue After Two Years Without Justice
The lawsuit filed by Dr Jennifer Liauw and Alan Chan against St Joseph’s Institution International Ltd and a UK-registered charity is a stark reminder that justice remains elusive for their daughter Jenna, who died in the Maldives nearly two years ago. The family is seeking accountability from an institution they believe has prioritized shielding itself over providing transparency and taking responsibility.
The incident that killed Jenna was a tragic example of how risk management and emergency planning failures can have disastrous consequences. On November 8, 2024, while on a whale shark excursion in the South Ari Marine Protected Area aboard the MV Sapphire Black, Jenna was struck by the propeller of the boat as she entered the water. Despite frantic efforts to resuscitate her, it took over an hour for her to be transported to the Dhigurah Health Centre, where she was pronounced dead.
The Chan family’s decision to sue is not just about seeking compensation; it’s about ensuring that their daughter’s death will not be in vain. They want St Joseph’s Institution International Ltd and its partners to take responsibility for their actions and make meaningful changes to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again. As Dr Liauw stated, “For over a year and a half we asked the school to work with us to find out what happened so this can never happen to another child. Every door was closed.”
The case raises serious concerns about the school’s lack of transparency and accountability. Despite denials, there are allegations that they failed to conduct adequate due diligence on the Maldives Expedition in 2024, a compulsory trip for Grade 9 students. The fact that other parents were informed about Jenna’s passing before her own family is a shocking example of how the school seemed more concerned with protecting its reputation than supporting those affected by the incident.
The Chan family’s fight for justice extends beyond their daughter; it’s also about protecting children who may be put in harm’s way due to inadequate risk management and emergency planning. As they said, “If this case results in stronger governance and better protection for future students, it will have achieved something far beyond our own family.” Their determination to hold St Joseph’s Institution International Ltd accountable is a testament to their love for Jenna and commitment to ensuring her memory lives on.
The Maldives has experienced its share of fatal marine incidents, with 112 tourists dying in such incidents between January 2020 and October 2023. The Chan family’s lawsuit highlights the need for greater scrutiny of the tourism industry and measures taken by schools to protect students during excursions abroad.
As this case continues to unfold, one thing is certain: justice may be delayed, but it will not be denied. The Chan family’s quest for accountability will persist until they receive the answers they deserve, and St Joseph’s Institution International Ltd takes responsibility for its actions.
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
The Chan family's lawsuit is a long-overdue attempt to hold St Joseph's Institution International Ltd accountable for their reckless handling of the 2024 Maldives Expedition. What's striking is that this incident was not an isolated accident, but rather a symptom of a deeper issue – the prioritization of profits over student safety. I'd argue that the institution's true liability lies in its failure to conduct thorough risk assessments and emergency planning procedures. Without such oversight, similar tragedies will continue to occur until stricter regulatory measures are put in place.
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
This lawsuit is a long-overdue reckoning for St Joseph's Institution International Ltd, which has consistently prioritized its reputation over transparency and accountability in the wake of Jenna Chan's tragic death. The family's decision to sue not just for compensation but for systemic change highlights the alarming trend of schools glossing over risk management failures in favor of flashy PR campaigns and reputational damage control. What's equally disturbing is the silence from regulatory bodies, which have allowed this institution to flout basic safety protocols with impunity. It's time for a thorough investigation into St Joseph's governance and its partnerships, not just to prevent future tragedies but to restore public trust.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The Chan family's lawsuit against St Joseph's Institution International Ltd is a crucial step towards shedding light on the tragic circumstances surrounding Jenna's death. However, I believe there's a deeper issue at play - the broader cultural context of risk-taking and accountability in expat communities. Schools catering to affluent international families often prioritize reputational preservation over transparency, making it challenging for families like the Chans to get answers. By scrutinizing the school's actions, this case may reveal systemic flaws that extend far beyond a single incident.