A British family is enduring a desperate and heart-wrenching search for their seven-year-old daughter after she was tragically swept out to sea while on a family holiday in Morocco. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through their home community in Blackburn, occurred on Wednesday night in the coastal city of Casablanca.
Family Holiday Turns to Tragedy in Casablanca
Inaayah Makda, a young girl from Blackburn, Lancashire, was with her family enjoying a holiday when a sudden and powerful wave crashed onto the rocks where they were standing. The force of the wave swept Inaayah into the ocean, separating her from her family in a terrifying instant. Other family members present were also reportedly dragged out by the same wave but managed to struggle back to the safety of the shore.
Her father, Zubair Makda, provided a harrowing account of the moments leading up to the tragedy. Speaking to Blackburn-based UCTV, he described how the family was on rocks approximately half a metre high when the wave 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. "I couldn't find her at all. We are trying to get help."
Community and Political Support Mobilises
The local community in Blackburn has rallied around the family, with MP Adnan Hussein taking urgent action. Mr Hussein, who has spoken directly with Inaayah's father and aunt, is raising the matter with UK authorities, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and has engaged with the Moroccan ambassador.
"This is an utterly heartbreaking and deeply distressing situation," Mr Hussein told The Independent. "In this unimaginably difficult time for the family, my thoughts are with them, with Inaayah, and with everyone who loves and cares for her. The whole of Blackburn is holding Inaayah and her loved ones in their prayers. I will continue to do all that I possibly can to support the family during this devastating time."
A family member based in the UK expressed the collective anguish to the Lancashire Telegraph, stating, "We are all really worried. You can understand this is really distressing for everyone." They further revealed that the family had not been made aware of any potential dangers associated with standing on the rocks and were completely caught by surprise when the large wave crashed down.
Ongoing Search and Official Response
Inaayah's parents remain in Casablanca, where they are reportedly seeking the assistance of a private search operator to aid in the desperate hunt for their daughter. The FCDO has confirmed it is providing support. A spokesperson stated, "We are supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco and are in contact with the local authorities."
Moroccan authorities have been approached for comment regarding the incident and the ongoing search efforts. The community continues to hold hope as the desperate search for young Inaayah Makda persists.
