Search for British girl, 7, swept out to sea in Morocco hampered by storm

A search for a seven-year-old British girl who was swept out to sea while on holiday with her family in Morocco has been hindered by a storm.

Inaayah Makda was pulled into the water while sitting on rocks on the Atlantic coast near Casablanca on Wednesday.

Her parents, Zubair and Tasneem, from Blackburn, Lancashire, were also both swept into the ocean but lost sight of their daughter.

Inaayah’s relatives have criticised local authorities for their ‘inhumane’ support, allegedly leaving the worried parents to conduct their own search on the beach.

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 family over there have been walking up and down the beach conducting their own search. They have been disregarded.

‘If anyone knows any locals who can offer support, please tell them to come forth and help, in whatever way they can.’

A fundraiser launched to support the family has already raised £41,000.

Local MP Adnan Hussain called the situation ‘utterly heartbreaking’ and ‘deeply distressing’ and said he had spoken to Inaaya’s father today.

He said: ‘I am urgently raising this matter with the relevant UK authorities, including the Foreign Office, to ensure that every possible step is being taken to support the ongoing search efforts and to provide the family with clear and timely answers.

‘I will also be making direct contact with the Moroccan Ambassador to press for continued assistance and cooperation.

‘The whole community in Blackburn is holding Inaayah and her loved ones in their prayers, and I will continue to do all I can to support the family during this devastating time.’

Mr Hussain added that poor weather had hampered the search operation.

Councillor Salim Sidat, who represents Audley and Queen’s Park ward, said: ‘This is a devastating situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with Inaayah and her family.

He added: ‘Let’s come together as a community with love and generosity.’

The BBC reported that drones and water scooters had been deployed, while all marine vessels in the area had received an SOS alert.

Much of Morocco has been battered by successive depressions bringing heavy rain and flash flooding in parts of the country, with the army reportedly called in to help evacuate people.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Comments Add as preferred source