Family of Girl Who Died in Tragic Snorkeling Accident Hunts for Answers

After losing their daughter to a snorkeling accident, the young girl's family is determined to find out what happened on that fatal trip.

Maria Aldrich | 13 Hours Ago

Snorkeling / Unsplash

In early November, 15-year-old Jenna Chan lost her life while on a snorkeling trip with her classmates. The trip was organized by her school, St Joseph's Institution (SJI) in Singapore, and was led by the school principal.

The young teenager was reported to have been assisting in the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, according to The Sun. While she was in the water, the engine was turned on and pulled her under. Chan was then struck by the boat propeller, resulting in her death.

Her parents, Alan Chan and Jennifer Liauw, are devastated by this tragedy and continue their search for answers. The family has created a GoFundMe campaign for financial support during this challenging time.

"There has been silence from the Maldivian government and all news about her has been ceased," her younger sister, Alice, wrote on the campaign. "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."

Per school policy, Chan's family members were unable to contact her while she was on the trip due to a "no-phone policy."

The family explained that the Malidivian government did not offer a post-mortem examination, and additional information has not been released to her parents, the family is concerned that a thorough investigation is not being performed.

Her father Mr. Chan told Divernet, "It's almost Christmas and we still have no answers. We want to know what happened."

"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," Alice Chan wrote on GoFundMe.

Published 13 Hours Ago

MARIA ALDRICH

Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While earning her degrees, she learned the fundamentals of climbing, wilderness travel, and leadership in the backcountry. These skills built upon Maria's lifelong passion for the outdoors. Following graduation, she began working in the outdoor recreation field, serving individuals with disabilities to help them access outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The following year, Maria moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York State to continue working towards a life of adventure and writing. She has continued rock and ice climbing, hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and paddling through various rivers while documenting her experiences through writing. When Maria isn’t adventuring in the mountains, she can be found reading a book, fishing on a shoreline, or spending time with family.