The desperate search for a young British girl, swept out to sea by a sudden wave during a family holiday in Morocco, has been significantly hampered by adverse weather conditions, according to her local Member of Parliament. Inaayah Makda, aged seven, from Blackburn in Lancashire, was sitting on coastal rocks in the historic city of Casablanca last Wednesday when a freak wave engulfed her and her relatives.
Family's Holiday Turns to Tragedy
The incident occurred on the very first day of what was meant to be a week-long holiday for the family. While positioned on rocks that appeared safe, the group was unexpectedly surrounded by rapidly incoming tide water. Inaayah was knocked into the Atlantic Ocean along with several family members, who all managed to scramble back to safety. Tragically, the young girl was swept away before anyone could reach her.
Her distraught family spent agonising hours calling her name and walking tirelessly along the beach, but there has been no sign of Inaayah since the incident. The family, now back in the UK, has expressed profound distress and criticised the initial response from local Moroccan authorities, describing it as inadequate and inhumane.
MP Adnan Hussain Coordinates Diplomatic Efforts
Adnan Hussain, the Independent MP for Blackburn, is actively involved in supporting the search operation. He has confirmed that ongoing efforts to locate Inaayah have been 'hindered due to a storm' affecting the Casablanca region. Mr Hussain has held discussions with the Moroccan Ambassador to the UK, securing assurances that local authorities will take every possible action.
In a detailed statement, the MP explained he has requested the assignment of a dedicated police liaison officer to provide direct, on-the-ground support for the family. He confirmed that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is supporting the family and is in contact with Moroccan officials, with updates being provided by the Governor of Casablanca and the Moroccan Civil Protection Team.
Family's Anguish and Community Support
Inaayah's father, Zubair Makda, recounted the terrifying moment, stating the tide swept in suddenly, separating him from his daughter. He expressed frustration with the local police response, which the family feels has been lacking. A relative in the UK told local media that authorities had suggested they 'wait for the body to wash up,' a comment that has compounded the family's trauma.
Neighbours in Blackburn have described Inaayah, a pupil at Roe Lee Park Primary School, as a 'lovely, bubbly, cheeky little girl' who is her parents' only child and 'their whole world.' The community has rallied in support, with MP Hussain commending the people of Blackburn for their solidarity during this devastating time.
GoFundMe Appeal Launched for Private Search
With the official search hampered by weather, the family has launched a GoFundMe appeal to fund a private, comprehensive search operation. The campaign aims to cover costs for boat hire, aerial support, translator services, emergency travel, and other unforeseen expenses. To date, the appeal has raised an impressive £61,000, demonstrating widespread public concern.
The appeal page describes this as an 'unimaginably distressing time' and urges donors to help bring Inaayah home. It assures that every penny will go directly towards the search and the family's immediate needs. MP Hussain remains in constant contact with the family and has thanked the Moroccan ambassador, authorities, and the Foreign Office for their continued engagement, while pledging his ongoing assistance.
