The family of a seven-year-old British girl who disappeared after being swept out to sea during a family holiday in Morocco has criticised local authorities for their lack of support, describing their attitude as 'inhumane'. Inaayah Makda, from Blackburn, was hit by a large wave while watching the sunset with her parents on a beach in Casablanca on Wednesday.
Her parents, Zubair and Tasneem Makda, were also knocked into the sea but lost sight of their daughter as they struggled to regain their balance. Relatives have since slammed local police and emergency services for failing to provide adequate assistance in the desperate search for the missing child.
A family member said: 'We are all really worried. You can understand this is really distressing for everyone. We have reached out for help, but the support has not been forthcoming. The support we have got from the local authorities in Morocco can only be described as inhumane.' The parents have hired a private search operator with a helicopter to assist.
Inaayah's father, Zubair, told Blackburn-based UCTV that a tide had suddenly 'swept everyone out'. He said: 'She got swept away so quickly. We are trying to get help, because the police here are pathetic and useless. They are not doing anything.' He added that there were no warning signs of dangers on the beach.
Gillian Wilton, head teacher at Roe Lee Park Primary School in Blackburn, expressed the school's distress and offered prayers for Inaayah's safe return. Masters of Martial Arts Blackburn, where Inaayah was a student, also shared a statement of support. A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed consular staff are supporting the family and are in contact with local authorities.
