The parents of a seven-year-old girl who was swept out to sea in Morocco have spoken of their 'unimaginable' grief as the search for their daughter continues. Inaayah Makda, from Blackburn, Lancashire, was sitting on coastal rocks near Casablanca on January 29 when a rogue wave dragged her into the water. Her parents, Zubair and Tasneem Makda, were also struck but were unable to find her.
Almost a month later, the couple released a statement on the Blackburn Muslim Facebook page on February 22, describing the ordeal as 'the most painful and unimaginable time of our lives'. They said efforts to find Inaayah were ongoing, with Moroccan authorities conducting shoreline searches, underwater dive operations and naval patrols. Independent ground search teams, drone searches and leaflet distribution have also been organised.
The parents acknowledged that they may have to make the 'heartbreaking decision to conclude the physical search and place our trust fully in Allah's decree'. They expressed gratitude for the support received, including more than £61,000 raised through a GoFundMe page, which has helped fund search teams and family expenses while they remain in Casablanca.
Donations to the GoFundMe page have been paused 'due to the complex nature of navigating permissions and required resources through the authorities'. The family previously said search efforts were hindered by a storm and 'extremely challenging' conditions. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is supporting the family and is in contact with local authorities.
