Race Against Time in Search for British Schoolgirl Swept Out to Sea
The formal search operation for a seven-year-old British girl, who was swept into the Atlantic Ocean during a family holiday in Morocco, is due to be called off this weekend. Inaayah Makda vanished on January 28 after being dragged into the water while sitting on rocks with her parents, watching the sunset near Casablanca.
Search Hampered by Severe Weather Conditions
The search for Inaayah has been severely hampered by stormy weather and rough seas, with no trace of the youngster found despite extensive efforts. Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain has confirmed that the Moroccan authorities have made the difficult assessment to conclude the formal search at the end of this month.
Mr Hussain has travelled to Morocco to support the family and liaise with local officials. He stated, "After sustained search efforts, the Moroccan authorities have made the difficult assessment that the formal search operation will conclude at the end of this month."
However, he has requested an extension due to the adverse weather conditions that have disrupted the operation and is awaiting a response. SOS alerts remain active, and neighbouring countries have been notified.
Family's Heartbreaking Statement and Ongoing Efforts
Inaayah's parents, Zubair and Tasneem Makda, described how a sudden wave swept their daughter into the water. They were also dragged under but lost sight of her. In a statement on the Blackburn Muslim Facebook page, they said they are enduring the "most painful and unimaginable time" of their lives.
The statement read: "It has now been 25 days since our beloved daughter, Inaayah, went missing at sea in Casablanca, Morocco. During this blessed month of Ramadan, we are holding firmly onto our faith."
They expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support received, noting that Moroccan authorities continue shoreline searches, underwater dive operations, and naval patrols. The family has also organised independent ground search teams, pursued drone search authorisation, and distributed leaflets across coastal areas.
Fundraising and Future Steps
A GoFundMe appeal has raised over £61,000 to cover search costs and essential family expenses while they remain in Casablanca. Organisers have paused donations due to complexities in navigating permissions and required resources through authorities.
The family added: "We continue to explore every possible avenue. However, we recognise there may come a time when we must make the heartbreaking decision to conclude the physical search and place our trust fully in Allah's decree." Any remaining funds will be used for charitable causes in Inaayah's name, with full transparency.
Mr Hussain, who spent time with the parents, said: "Their strength in the face of such heartbreak is deeply moving. This is an extraordinarily painful moment for the family, and I respectfully ask that their privacy be honoured."
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed they are supporting the family and are in contact with local authorities.
