Latest news with #Maldives
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Our Brit daughter, 15, was killed by boat propeller while snorkelling in Maldives…we're forced to investigate ourselves
DEVASTATED parents say they have been forced to investigate the death of their British daughter themselves after being refused support from officials. Jenna Chan, 15, was tragically killed by a boat propeller while on a school trip snorkelling in the Maldives. 2 2 British-Singaporean dual national Jenna was a student at St Joseph's International Institution and had been assisting the British registered charity, the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), in its research expedition. On November 8, the school girl was allegedly beckoned into the water but within minutes was "sucked under" when the engine was switched on. Her parents, Alan and Jennifer Chan, have said that more than a month after the tragic incident they are "still waiting for answers" and have "been forced to become their own investigators". As a state, the Maldives does not provide post-mortem examinations so the couple are hunting for information about their daughter's death "completely" on their own. Jennifer told The Times: 'We just want to know why Jenna died. There is no justice and we are completely on our own.' Alan flew out to the island in March to get hold of the hospital CT scans that were used by police to determine a possible cause of death. Jennifer, a surgeon, examined the pictures with her colleagues who she said were horrified "because Jenna's injuries were so horrific". The couple said they haven't even been allowed to speak to any of the teachers who were on board the boat at the time of the incident. They believe there was "no real investigation" into the accident, adding that there was a "chain of errors" throughout the excursion, they claim. According to some of the students, Jenna was reportedly instructed to enter the water while the guides tracked dolphins. The teenager was then allegedly "sucked up" by the engine before reportedly being brought to the nearest hotel instead of hospital. Michael Johnston, CEO of St Joseph's International Institution , previously wrote to the parents informing them that efforts to piece together what had happened to Jenna were being impeded by MWSRP. According to the school's boss, the company was "refusing" to provide access to their staff and crew for interviews. "We remain exasperated at their lack of co-operation," he said. Jenna's 17-year-old sister Alice has started a GoFundMe to raise awareness of the teen's accident and help with legal fees while the family fight for answers. The caption for the fundraiser reads: "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." We just want to know why Jenna died. There is no justice and we are completely on our own Jenna's mum, Jennifer Chan So far, £6,595 of its £10,000 has been raised. Jenna was laid to rest on November 15 in Singapore. A spokesperson for the young girl's school said that it had been "unrelenting" in its efforts to find out what happened and is still waiting on a report from the Maldivian authorities. In a statement, the school said: 'The school has been unrelenting in our efforts to piece together a full account of what happened. "The Maldivian authorities investigation is still ongoing and we have yet to receive their report. "The Maldivian authorities and MWSRP have not given us access to interview the boat captain and crew nor the MWSRP staff. These are critical pieces for all of us. 'I can confirm that the Maldives Police Service was in Singapore and with the support of the Singapore Police Force facilitated interviews with witnesses on May 27 and 28, 2025. "We continue to actively support the investigation. We have not and will not stop seeking answers and supporting those involved.' The MWSRP said: 'At the time of the incident, Ms Chan was under the supervision of two teaching staff from SJII and an experienced boat crew. "The emergency response was in accordance with our procedures and Ms Chan was taken directly to a local health centre.'
The Independent
7 hours ago
- The Independent
Mauritius vs Maldives: Which is the paradise island for you?
In this week's episode of TravelSmart, Independent Travel is exploring the Indian Ocean, diving into two of the most popular idyllic beach getaways: the Maldives and Mauritius. Global Travel Editor Annabel Grossman shares the best activities in Mauritius, from visiting the Seven Coloured Earth to dolphin spotting and rum tasting. Fresh back from a trip to the Maldives, Daisy Lester reveals how to pick the right island for you to completely switch off and embrace a break of rest and relaxation. Plus, how to make your Indian Island trip more affordable and the best times to visit. Watch TravelSmart on Independent TV.
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Mystery surrounds abandoned Maldives resort left to rot with decaying villas, filthy pools & dust-covered massage tables
AN ABANDONED luxury resort rotting away in the Maldives with derelict villas and dirty pools has become shrouded in mystery. A decaying island within the holiday hotspot - which is usually known for its picturesque sights and tropical landscapes - holds a string of villas which have been left for dead. 8 8 8 Once a promising paradise-to-be, the resort sits on one of the archipelago islands, situated southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. YouTube star Kale Brock revealed the mysterious area in a video posted to the social media site. The Australian said his group spotted the eerie location in the distance while on holiday with a tour guide in the Maldives - and convinced him to take them there. Extraordinary footage showed the group touring half-finished villas, as well as piles of debris and dilapidated bedrooms. Broken toilets stood aside heaps of rubbish at the swanky hotel surrounded by swathes of tropical forest. Unkempt pools overflowing with algae can also be seen alongside generators which haven't been powered in years. Brock told that the island was supposedly owned by a prominent Maldivian politician. And he said that construction on the resort reportedly started over a decade ago. The surfer and YouTuber said: "They were building for two years then for 'political reasons'. "We don't really know, ostensibly maybe they ran out of money." Abandoned EFL stadium left to rot with pitch covered in weeds just five years after hosting final match He explained: "They've literally abandoned the project … There's bathtubs in unopened but deteriorating boxes." Shocking footage also showed unopened spa equipment and massage tables - which were never used to accommodate visitors. A centrepiece pool filled with murky water and dead bits of plants is also seen on the resort. The only bit of life that can be seen is the lush palm trees which tower over the forgotten construction. In one eerie corner of the island, the group stumble across an old Mazda and Nissan — both caked in rust and clearly untouched for years. 8 8 8 They press on to a creepy generator room, lined with bizarre, old machines. Explorer Brock said the scenes reminded him of films like Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, and Lost. Chilling footage showed the most harrowing part of the island, and its supposed crown jewels. Luxury overwater bungalows that were meant to rake in $5,000 a night sit completely empty, now just crumbling skeletons of wood and steel. Brock is also seen strolling along a half-destroyed concrete platform where a fancy boardwalk should have been if the project was finished. Peering out at the sea, Brock said: 'World-class lives one kilometre away.' 8 8
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside the abandoned Maldives resort
By The world might know the Maldives for its picture-postcard villas, turquoise waters, and once-in-a-lifetime luxury escapes. But one island in the middle of this tropical paradise tells a completely different story - one of decay, mystery, and ambitious plans left abandoned. In a video uploaded to YouTube in 2023, Australian filmmaker and surfer Kale Brock explained that while on the retreat in the Maldives, he and his group had spotted a 'mysterious' island in the distance and convinced their guide to take them there. What they discovered was straight out of a movie - more Jurassic Park than five-star luxury getaway. In incredible footage, which has since amassed over 180,000 views, Brock takes viewers on a surreal tour through a deserted resort that looks like it was evacuated mid-build. Eerie scenes show the group wandering through half-finished villas, piles of debris and broken toilets, dilapidated rooms with unpowered generators, and murky, unkempt pools teeming with algae. Walking through the ruins, Brock captures everything from unopened spa equipment still in boxes, to massage tables covered in dust and junk, to filthy pools thick with plant life. Standing above what would have been a centrepiece pool, Brock added: 'Just imagine the views and the vibes, the aesthetics this place would have.' In one spot, the group find an old Mazda and Nissan, which appear not to have moved in years, before moving on to what appears to be a generator room, complete with a bizarre row of machines. Brock listed a number of Hollywood blockbusters he was reminded of while exploring the ruins, including Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park and Lost. But perhaps the most haunting part of the tour were the ghostly remains of what would've been the resort's showstoppers - overwater bungalows meant to charge $5,000 a night. Now, they're nothing more than skeletons of wood and steel, with scenes showing Brock ambling along the concrete foundation of what would have been an iconic wooden walkway. As he looked out across the water, he noted: 'World-class lives one kilometre away.' Meanwhile, a Maldivian woman who spent almost 10 years working in the tourism sector at the hugely popular holiday destination has shared her hidden gems and budget tips . The mother-of-one had worked tirelessly behind the scenes, including long hours while raising her seven-month-old daughter in the process. Now 32, she is happily married and has quit the tourism industry to launch a freelancer app that aims to 'connect Maldivians across the islands'. She has also shared her top tips with keen travellers - including one hidden gem island that is perfect for those travelling on a budget. Taking to web forum Reddit, in reply to another user's question about 'tricks for a budget trip', she explained: 'Travel to a local island and stay at a guesthouse.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside the eerie abandoned resort in the Maldives - with rotting overwater villas but still breathtaking views
The world might know the Maldives for its picture-postcard villas, turquoise waters, and once-in-a-lifetime luxury escapes. But one island in the middle of this tropical paradise tells a completely different story - one of decay, mystery, and ambitious plans left abandoned. In a video uploaded to YouTube in 2023, Australian filmmaker and surfer Kale Brock explained that while on the retreat in the Maldives, he and his group had spotted a 'mysterious' island in the distance and convinced their guide to take them there. What they discovered was straight out of a movie - more Jurassic Park than five-star luxury getaway. In incredible footage, which has since amassed over 180,000 views, Brock takes viewers on a surreal tour through a deserted resort that looks like it was evacuated mid-build. Eerie scenes show the group wandering through half-finished villas, piles of debris and broken toilets, dilapidated rooms with unpowered generators, and murky, unkempt pools teeming with algae. According to Brock, the island was reportedly owned by a prominent Maldivian politician, with construction starting over a decade ago. He said: 'They were building for two years then for "political reasons." We don't really know, ostensibly maybe they ran out of money. They've literally abandoned the project… There's bathtubs in unopened but deteriorating boxes.' Walking through the ruins, Brock captures everything from unopened spa equipment still in boxes, to massage tables covered in dust and junk, to filthy pools thick with plant life. Standing above what would have been a centrepiece pool, Brock added: 'Just imagine the views and the vibes, the aesthetics this place would have.' In one spot, the group find an old Mazda and Nissan, which appear not to have moved in years, before moving on to what appears to be a generator room, complete with a bizarre row of machines. Brock listed a number of Hollywood blockbusters he was reminded of while exploring the ruins, including Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park and Lost. But perhaps the most haunting part of the tour were the ghostly remains of what would've been the resort's showstoppers - overwater bungalows meant to charge $5,000 a night. Now, they're nothing more than skeletons of wood and steel, with scenes showing Brock ambling along the concrete foundation of what would have been an iconic wooden walkway. As he looked out across the water, he noted: 'World-class lives one kilometre away.' Meanwhile, a Maldivian woman who spent almost 10 years working in the tourism sector at the hugely popular holiday destination has shared her hidden gems and budget tips. According to Brock, the island was reportedly owned by a prominent Maldivian politician, with construction starting over a decade ago Now, they're nothing more than skeletons of wood, concrete and steel sitting above the water The mother-of-one had worked tirelessly behind the scenes, including long hours while raising her seven-month-old daughter in the process. Now 32, she is happily married and has quit the tourism industry to launch a freelancer app that aims to 'connect Maldivians across the islands'. She has also shared her top tips with keen travellers - including one hidden gem island that is perfect for those travelling on a budget.
