British Family's Anguish as 7-Year-Old Swept to Sea in Morocco Holiday Tragedy
The family of a seven-year-old British girl, missing after being swept out to sea during a family holiday in Morocco, have launched a scathing attack on local authorities, describing their response as "inhumane" and "pathetic".
Sudden Wave Catches Family Unaware
Inaayah Makda, from Blackburn, Lancashire, was hit by a large, unexpected wave while sitting with her parents, Zubair and Tasneem Makda, watching the sunset on a beach in Casablanca last Wednesday. The powerful surge knocked all three into the water.
Her parents, who managed to regain their footing, were immediately separated from their daughter in the turbulent water and quickly lost sight of her. "She got swept away so quickly," her father, Zubair, later recounted.
Family Condemns 'Useless' Local Response
Since the incident, relatives have expressed fury and despair at what they perceive as a complete lack of effective support from Moroccan police and emergency services in the desperate search for Inaayah.
One family member stated, "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." Zubair Makda was even more direct, telling a Blackburn-based TV channel, "the police here are pathetic and useless. They are not doing anything."
The family has highlighted the absence of any warning signs about potential dangers on the beach, leaving them completely unprepared for the sudden, devastating wave.
Private Search Launched as Parents Remain in Morocco
With official efforts deemed insufficient, Inaayah's parents, who remain in Casablanca, have taken matters into their own hands. They have reportedly hired a private search operator with a helicopter to assist in the ongoing efforts to locate their daughter.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has confirmed that consular staff "are supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco" and are in contact with local authorities.
Community in Blackburn Rallies with Support
Back home in Blackburn, the community has been shaken by the news. Gillian Wilton, head teacher at Roe Lee Park Primary School, which Inaayah attends, said the school was "extremely upset" and offered its "continued support" to pupils and parents.
"Our immediate and heartfelt thoughts are with her, her parents and family at this devastating time," Wilton said. "We will continue to pray for Inaayah's safe return."
Masters of Martial Arts Blackburn, where Inaayah is a student, also issued a statement expressing profound sadness and offering love and support to the family during this "unimaginably distressing time."
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the unpredictable power of the sea and has left a family and community clinging to hope while criticising an official response they believe has fallen catastrophically short.
