A tragic incident has occurred involving a 15-year-old student from St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) International, who died during an overseas school trip in the Maldives. The student was participating in a whale shark research project when the fatal accident took place off Dhigurah island.
Details of the Incident
According to reports from local media, the student was snorkelling when they were struck by the propellers of a boat. Despite immediate medical assistance and transfer to the Dhigurah Health Centre, the student was pronounced dead on arrival.
School’s Statement
In a statement released late on 8 November 2024, Dr Michael Johnston, the chief executive officer of SJI International, expressed the school’s deep sadness, saying, “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family during this difficult time. The school community is mourning our tragic loss, and we are providing all possible support to the family.”
Support for Family and Students
The school has pledged to respect the family’s privacy while they navigate through this distressing time. They reported that they could not share further details about the incident, focusing instead on supporting the grieving community.
SJI International is well-known for its outdoor education programmes—referred to as “expeditions”—integrating real-world learning experiences into their curriculum.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with adventure activities, emphasising the need for safety measures in educational settings.