The heart-wrenching search for a seven-year-old British girl, Inaayah Makda, is currently underway in Morocco after she was swept out to sea while on holiday with her family. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in Casablanca, leaving her family and community in profound distress as they grapple with the uncertainty of her fate.
A Family’s Holiday Turned Tragic
Inaayah, from Blackburn, was playing on rocks near the beach when a sudden wave crashed, pulling her into the ocean. According to her father, Zubair Makda, the family was situated on rocks approximately half a metre high, enjoying their holiday when disaster struck. “Inaayah was on the rock behind me. We got swept to the right and she got swept to the left. Before that, I did not see where Inaayah was, as she got swept away so quickly,” he recounted in an emotional statement to Blackburn-based UCTV.
While other family members were also impacted by the wave, they managed to return safely to shore. However, the panic and confusion that ensued left Inaayah unaccounted for. Mr Makda’s plea for help underscores the urgency of the situation: “I couldn’t find her at all. We are trying to get help.”
Community Support and Official Response
Local MP Adnan Hussein, who has been in contact with Inaayah’s family, expressed his sorrow over the incident and is actively engaging with UK authorities and the Moroccan ambassador to ensure support for the family. “This is an utterly heartbreaking and deeply distressing situation. In this unimaginably difficult time for the family, my thoughts are with them, with Inaayah, and with everyone who loves and cares for her,” he stated.
The entire Blackburn community is rallying around the Makda family, offering prayers and support during this harrowing ordeal. A family member shared with the Lancashire Telegraph their deep concern for Inaayah’s safety, highlighting the unexpected nature of the tragedy: “You can understand this is really distressing for everyone.” They noted that the family had not been warned about the dangers of the rocks, which made the incident all the more shocking.
Ongoing Search Efforts
As the search continues, Inaayah’s parents remain in Casablanca, working closely with local authorities and reportedly enlisting the help of a private search operator. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed their involvement, with a spokesperson stating: “We are supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco and are in contact with the local authorities.”
The Moroccan authorities are also being contacted for further information regarding the search efforts. As the hours pass, hope remains fragile yet persistent among family, friends, and the wider Blackburn community.
Why it Matters
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the importance of safety awareness while enjoying coastal activities. The impact of Inaayah’s disappearance is felt far beyond her immediate family, resonating through her community and beyond. The collective hope for her safe return highlights the bonds of love and support that unite us in times of crisis. As the search efforts unfold, the call for heightened safety measures at beaches and rocky areas comes into sharper focus, emphasising the need for vigilance to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
