Parents Demand Answers Eight Months After Daughter’s Tragic Death

Eight months after the tragic death of their daughter, 15-year-old Jenna Chan, during a school trip to the Maldives, her parents are still searching for answers. Jenna, a student at St Joseph’s Institution International (SJII), lost her life on November 8, 2022, while snorkelling near Dhigurah Island in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. According to local news reports, she was struck fatally by the propeller of a reversing boat.

Jenna’s parents, Dr. Jennifer Liauw and Mr. Alan Chan, have expressed frustration over the lack of communication from both the Maldivian authorities and the school. They claim to have received little information regarding the ongoing investigation into the incident. SJII, however, maintains that it has been diligent in seeking clarity on what transpired, a commitment echoed by the school’s CEO, Michael Johnston, who stated that the institution has not yet received any documentation or updates from Maldivian officials.

The situation is compounded by the fact that SJII does not have access to evidence from the Maldivian boat crew or from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), the organization that managed the expedition. Johnston emphasized that until the MWSRP provides access or the Maldives Police Service concludes its investigation, the school cannot acquire a complete understanding of the events that unfolded.

The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) has decided against investigating SJII’s handling of the incident, citing that the school adhered to established safety protocols for overseas trips. The MOE also noted that SJII operates independently as a privately funded institution.

Jenna’s parents are left without an official explanation for her death or any information regarding accountability. Feeling compelled to take matters into their own hands, they initiated their own investigation. Dr. Liauw highlighted that the school’s outreach had focused more on memorial efforts than on providing concrete answers. “They’re talking about a memorial book, but I need an investigation report,” she said. “I don’t care for all these platitudes; I need to know what happened to my child.”

To further their quest for truth, the family has launched a website titled Justice for Jenna, which details their perspective on the incident and outlines unanswered questions. In April, Mr. Chan traveled to the Maldives to gather information, acquiring CT scans of Jenna’s injuries. However, he reported receiving no meaningful updates from local authorities on the investigation’s progress.

In May, representatives from the Maldives Police Service traveled to Singapore to interview students and a teacher who were present during the trip. Johnston confirmed SJII facilitated those interviews, asserting that the investigation remains solely under the jurisdiction of the Maldivian authorities.

The Chan family has also reached out to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for assistance. However, they found that the government’s support remained limited, as Singaporean authorities cannot investigate incidents occurring overseas. A spokesperson for the MFA reiterated that they have been in contact with the family since the incident, offering assistance within legal boundaries.

Despite multiple inquiries, attempts by the media to contact the Maldives Police Service for information have been largely unsuccessful. Repeated calls to the agency yielded no substantial updates, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the family in their quest for information.

In the wake of Jenna’s death, SJII conducted internal investigations. Mr. Chan noted that the school collected statements from students shortly after the incident but initially delayed sharing those accounts with the family. Johnston stated that a board subcommittee was established to review the school’s overseas expedition protocols, but this process cannot be finalized until the Maldivian authorities conclude their investigation.

The Chan family sought aid from their local Member of Parliament, Sim Ann, who confirmed she made representations to relevant parties and facilitated a meeting with the school. Following this, the school offered to update the family on the internal investigation and share student statements, but Dr. Liauw rejected the offer, deeming it “unacceptable” after such a lengthy delay.

Adding to their distress, the family reacted with dismay upon learning that SJII plans to resume overseas expeditions even as investigations into Jenna’s death remain incomplete. Dr. Liauw expressed concern that the school’s decision to announce new trips, which include activities like sea kayaking in Langkawi and rafting in the Himalayas, seemed to disregard their daughter’s memory. “It’s as if she never existed,” she lamented.

Johnston defended the school’s decision to resume outdoor expeditions as integral to student development, confirming that SJII has ceased all trips to the Maldives. He reiterated that the school had followed rigorous protocols prior to the expedition and conducted comprehensive risk assessments.

For Jenna’s parents, the search for answers transcends personal closure. “On a personal level, we would say Jenna cannot have died for nothing,” Mr. Chan stated. They hope to ensure that no other family experiences a similar tragedy, advocating for regulatory improvements to prevent future incidents.

Dr. Liauw emphasized her daughter’s love for her friends and their safety as a driving force behind their efforts. “This fight is not for us… I’m fighting this because it’s wrong. No family should have to go through this,” she asserted.

The emotional toll of Jenna’s death has been profound, impacting Dr. Liauw’s professional life as a colorectal surgeon and affecting daily family dynamics at home. “It’s a 15-year-old child at the peak of her life,” she reflected. The family continues to navigate their grief, holding onto the hope that their fight for accountability will lead to meaningful change.