A fourth year student at University of Virginia has been tragically killed in a boating accident in Roseau, Dominica.

According to the university statement, 22- year old Casey Schulman, a foreign affairs major in the College of Arts & Sciences, was in Dominica as part of the Semester at Sea program organized by the school's Institute for Shipboard Education.

However, the accident occurred during the trip that was independently planned by a group of students in Dominica.

Quoting a local police man, 9NEWS reports Schulman and other students had hired a boat owned by a local dive company. After a snorkeling excursion, the boat took the group to a coastal community where some students stayed in the water and others relaxed on the beach. Meanwhile, Schulman was swimming when the boat's propeller struck her as the captain was driving in reverse after picking up food.

She reportedly suffered injuries over her whole body and doctors pronounced her dead at a local hospital.

Schulman's aunt Karen Hess said to 9NEWS that Dominica was at her last stop of a 14-week adventure that included London, Portugal, Africa and the Amazon.

"Casey Schulman's death is a cause of much sadness at the University. She was an exceptionally bright light - both in and outside the classroom - and she will long be remembered as a vibrant member of our community," said vice president and chief student affairs officer Patricia Lampkin.

"We must gather together as a family to support each other in our grief and to commemorate Casey's memory."

Michael Zoll, vice president for program administration and student affairs, Institute for Shipboard Education, conveyed his condolences to everyone associated with the Semester at Sea program and announced that a 'memory box' has been placed on the ship for participants to share photos and stories, at the behest of Schulman's parents.

A memorial service was held on the ship after leaving Dominica Sunday evening, where the community gathered for a slideshow tribute.

In Charlottesville too, friends of Schulman gathered to remember her and to support one another during a Sunday evening prayer vigil.

Plans for a memorial service open to the entire university are currently being developed.