The Maldives Police Service has confirmed that an initial report from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program (MWSRP), the external vendor for the trip, has been incorporated into their ongoing investigation into an incident involving a school group. Dr. Johnston,representing the school,had previously stated that SJII lacked access to crucial evidence from the Maldivian boat crew and MWSRP staff,hindering a complete understanding of the events.

Police are actively analyzing the standard operating procedures (sops) relevant to the incident, alongside documentation from other state institutions. “Once the relevant documentation is complete, further information will be disclosed,” a police statement indicated. They also emphasized that all developments have been shared with the Prosecutor General’s Office to ensure appropriate legal action is taken if negligence is identified.

At this juncture, the police are unable to reveal the identity of the tour operator involved. “The maldives Police service is currently verifying the authenticity and role of the parties primarily responsible for organizing this program in the Maldives. Relevant information is still being compiled,” the statement added.

In May, Maldives Police Service officers traveled to Singapore to interview four students and a teacher who participated in the trip, with SJII facilitating these interviews. Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) recently announced it would not be investigating SJII’s handling of the incident, citing the school’s adherence to its overseas trip safety protocols. The MOE also noted that SJII, as a privately funded institution, operates independently of the mainstream education system.