The family of a Grade 9 student who died following a November 8, 2024, marine accident in the Maldives has filed a lawsuit against St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJII). The student, identified as Jenna, was struck by a boat’s propeller during a school-mandated Outdoor Education expedition run by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP). She was pronounced dead at the Dhigurah Health Centre approximately 15 minutes after being transported from the water.
Incident Details and Sequence of Events
According to the family’s statement of claim, Jenna entered the water from a boat with permission from accompanying teachers. Shortly after, the boat’s engine was engaged, striking her with the rotating propeller. The claim alleges the vessel then reversed toward other students in the water until a teacher shouted for the captain to stop. Jenna was reportedly stuck under the boat at that time. Two teachers dived to free her, and fellow students assisted in pulling her onto the vessel. She briefly regained consciousness and whispered “Help me” before being taken to the health center.
Did You Know? The expedition was a compulsory component of the SJII Grade 9 curriculum, requiring students to participate in the Outdoor Education programme managed by the UK-registered charity, MWSRP.
Legal Dispute Over Duty of Care
The lawsuit centers on whether the school maintained a “non-delegable duty of care” toward the student while she was under its custody. The family alleges that SJII failed to adequately vet the MWSRP, neglected to ensure proper supervision, and failed to verify that marine activities met safety standards. They further claim the school had provided repeated assurances that “all emergency procedures” were in place to address any potential scenario.
In a letter dated November 21, 2025, the school’s solicitors, Rajah & Tann Singapore, denied that SJII owed the student a “positive non-delegable duty of care to protect and safeguard her from the risk of harm.” The correspondence stated that the school engaged the MWSRP as an independent contractor and is not liable for the “negligent acts and/or omissions” of the charity, its agents, or its servants.
Allegations Regarding Transparency
The family’s statement of claim includes allegations that SJII withheld information following the death. They contend the school refused to allow them to meet the two teachers who accompanied the trip. Furthermore, the family asserts that despite repeated requests, the school has not shared any findings from its internal investigation into the incident.
Potential Future Developments
No investigation report has been shared with the family to date, leaving the school’s internal findings as a potential point of focus for future discovery proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the school’s role in the trip?
The expedition was a compulsory part of the SJII Grade 9 Outdoor Education programme, which the school required all students to complete.
Who was managing the expedition?
The expedition was run by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), a United Kingdom-registered charity engaged by the school.
Has the school accepted liability for the incident?
No. In a November 2025 letter, the school’s solicitors stated that SJII is “not liable for all negligent acts and/or omissions of the MWSRP” and denied owing a non-delegable duty of care to the student.
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