British schoolgirl, 15, killed in horror propeller accident in Maldives while snorkelling

A British schoolgirl has tragically died in a propeller accident while on a trip to the Maldives. Jenna Chan, 15, was fatally injured during a snorkelling excursion with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, a UK-registered charity.

Her fellow students described the day as a "nightmare", recounting how she was pulled under the boat shortly after entering the water.

A Maldives Police Service report confirmed that Jenna died during the activity, stating: "On 8th November 2024, during [an] excursion while snorkelling between Lux Maldives Resort and Dhidoo, an incident occurred and Miss Jenna [Chan] was struck by the boat's propellers," reports The Mirror.

Jenna's devastated parents, Alan Chan and Jennifer Liauw, are seeking clarity on the events that led to their daughter's death.

They shared with The Times: "Jenna was just sunshine. She was the warmest, smiliest person. She held the family together for us."

"She was her sister Alisha's soulmate. She wanted to be a geriatrician because she loved old people. She was always helpful.

"We know the guides were not on the boat at the time she entered the water...it's almost Christmas and we still have no answers. We want to know what happened. The whole truth [and] if somebody was negligent."

Jenna's sister Alice has been seeking answers from the authorities regarding her sister’s death and started a fundraising campaign to support their fight. Alice wrote: "My sister, 15 year old British-Singaporean Jenna Chan, was killed in a propeller accident during a school trip in the Maldives.

"There has been silence from the Maldivian government and all news about her has ceased. The circumstances leading to her sudden death and negligence of the company is truly shocking to our family and her teenage friends, who witnessed her death.

"Please help support us during this tough time for our family and loved ones, and spread the word about her case. All donations will go towards our fight for Jenna and protection of all future children and tourists, by providing our Maldivian lawyers with the legal fees and financial support to take more cases just like this one."

Jenna, a British-Singaporean dual national, was a student at St Joseph's International Institution in Singapore, which had organised the trip as part of its programme for grade nine students. A spokesperson for the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme said they were'deeply shocked and saddened' by what happened.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British national who died in the Maldives and are in contact with the local authorities."