British Family Pleads for Help After Girl, 7, Swept Out to Sea in Casablanca
CASABLANCA, Morocco – A British family is desperately appealing for assistance after their seven-year-old daughter was swept out to sea by a wave while on holiday in Casablanca, Morocco. Inaayah Makda, from Blackburn, Lancashire, disappeared Wednesday while with her parents, Zubair and Tasneem Makda, watching the sunset on a beach in the coastal city.
The family, according to relatives, feels abandoned by local authorities, describing the response to their pleas for help as “inhumane.” They have reportedly hired a private search operator, including a helicopter, to aid in the search efforts.
“We are all really worried. You can understand this is really distressing for everyone,” a family member told the Mirror, the original source of this reporting. “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 recounted to Blackburn-based UCTV that a sudden tide “swept everyone out,” separating Inaayah from her parents, who were pulled in a different direction. He expressed frustration with the perceived lack of urgency from local police, calling their efforts “pathetic and useless.”
The incident highlights the potential dangers of unpredictable sea conditions, even in seemingly calm coastal areas. Morocco’s coastline, stretching over 1,835 kilometers (1,140 miles) along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, attracts millions of tourists annually. While generally safe, strong currents and unexpected waves can pose a risk, particularly during certain times of the year. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, visitor numbers have steadily increased in recent years, reaching over 13 million in 2023, underscoring the need for clear safety warnings and readily available emergency services.
Back in Blackburn, Inaayah’s school, Roe Lee Park Primary School, expressed its deep concern. “We are extremely upset to hear the news of Inaayah Makda, who is currently missing in Morocco,” said head teacher Gillian Wilton in a statement. “Our immediate and heartfelt thoughts are with her, her parents and family at this devastating time.”
Masters of Martial Arts Blackburn, where Inaayah is a student, also shared a message of support on social media, stating, “Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are by this news. We are holding Inaayah, her parents, and their entire family in our thoughts and prayers.”
The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it is providing consular support to the family. A spokesperson told the Mirror that staff “are supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco” and “are in contact with the local authorities.”
The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by families navigating emergency situations in foreign countries and the importance of robust consular assistance. The FCDO provides guidance to British nationals travelling abroad, including advice on safety, local laws, and emergency contact information, available on its website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
As the search continues, the family’s plea for help underscores the urgent need for a swift and coordinated response from Moroccan authorities. The international community and concerned citizens are watching closely, hoping for a positive outcome in this heartbreaking situation.
[Image of Inaayah Makda smiling – sourced from original article]
[Image of Casablanca coastline – sourced from original article]
