Statements taken in relation of death of Singaporean student

Maldivian authorities have taken witness statements in Singapore as part of an ongoing investigation into the tragic death of 15-year-old Jenna Ariane Chen Xien, a student from St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) International, who died during a school trip to the Maldives in November 2024.

In an English-language press release issued today, the Maldives Police Service confirmed that officers had travelled to Singapore in May to obtain statements from a teacher and a student in connection with the incident. The move was made under a bilateral cooperation framework for cross-border investigations involving foreign nationals.

Jenna, a participant in a whale shark conservation project in the Maldives, was fatally injured on November 8 after being struck by the propeller of a diving vessel during a snorkeling excursion near ADh. Dhigurah.

Police said the accident was reported at 9:55 a.m. that morning. Jenna was rushed to the local health centre but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.

While initial reports stated that Jenna had been hit by a boat propeller while diving into the water, conflicting accounts have since emerged. According to a witness quoted by Mihaaru News, the incident may have occurred after the boat capsized while students were entering the water.

The case has sparked concern both in the Maldives and abroad. Singapore's Straits Times earlier reported that the students were part of a Grade 9 team visiting the Maldives under the National Youth Achievement Award program. In the aftermath of the tragedy, representatives from the school and the student’s family travelled to the Maldives to seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding her death.

Authorities in the Maldives have pledged a full and transparent investigation into the incident. “The Maldives Police Service is committed to ensuring accountability and will share findings with the relevant authorities once the investigation is complete,” the police statement said.

In response to the incident, the Maldivian government has designated the Southern Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area (SANFA) as a special regulatory zone. New safety measures now require all vessels operating in the whale shark viewing areas to be fitted with propeller guards—an added layer of protection aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.