Parents of British Girl Swept Away in Morocco Plead for Government Help
The family of a seven-year-old British girl, who was swept out to sea while on holiday in Morocco, have made an emotional appeal for more assistance from the UK government to aid in the search for their daughter. Inaayah Makda was pulled into the water while sitting on rocks along the Atlantic coast near Casablanca on Wednesday, during the first night of a week-long family holiday.
Family's Heartbreaking Ordeal
Inaayah's parents, Zubair and Tasneem Makda from Blackburn, Lancashire, were also swept into the ocean during the incident but tragically lost sight of their daughter. Despite immediate deployment of drones and water scooters in the search efforts, no trace of Inaayah has been found. The family has described their only child as a bright, loving, and gentle girl who is deeply cherished by all who know her.
In a statement shared on social media, the parents expressed their unwavering hope that Inaayah may have reached safety somewhere along the coastline. They also emphasised their desire to bring her home with dignity, prayers, and closure, should the worst have happened. A fundraiser established to support the family has already raised an impressive £61,000, reflecting widespread community solidarity.
Criticism of Government Response
The Makda family has voiced deep concern over what they perceive as limited practical support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. While acknowledging that their case is being monitored, they argue that this has not translated into tangible action on the ground. The parents are not asking the UK government to take over the search but to actively advocate with Moroccan authorities for expanded efforts, push for additional resources, and provide necessary coordination and expertise.
As British parents of a British child missing overseas, they stress the need for urgent, practical support that can help escalate the search and bring additional resources into play. They have been forced to rely heavily on local volunteers and private efforts in their desperate attempt to locate Inaayah, highlighting a gap in official assistance.
Local MP and Weather Challenges
Adnan Hussain, the local MP for Blackburn, has described the situation as utterly heartbreaking and deeply distressing. He confirmed on Friday that he is raising the case with the Foreign Office to seek more robust intervention. Mr Hussain also noted that poor weather conditions have significantly hampered the search operation, complicating rescue efforts.
Much of Morocco has been battered by successive depressions, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding to parts of the country. Reports indicate that the army has been called in to help evacuate people affected by the severe weather, adding another layer of difficulty to the ongoing search for Inaayah.
Official Statement and Ongoing Efforts
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated: ‘We are supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco and are in contact with the local authorities. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.’ However, the family continues to press for more decisive action, emphasising that this is not about blame but about a little girl who is deeply loved and missed.
The Makda family's plea underscores the challenges faced by British nationals in crisis situations abroad and calls for enhanced governmental support mechanisms. As the search persists, the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome, rallying behind the parents in their unwavering determination to find their daughter.
