Family of British Girl Missing in Morocco Launch Fundraising Appeal for Private Search
The devastated family of a seven-year-old British girl who remains missing after being swept out to sea in Morocco are urgently appealing for donations to fund a private search operation. They have expressed profound distress at what they describe as being 'disregarded' by local authorities in their hour of need.
Tragic Incident on First Day of Holiday
Inaayah Makda, from Blackburn in Lancashire, vanished on Wednesday evening while watching the sunset on the coast near Casablanca. The family were on the first day of a week-long holiday to the North African country when tragedy struck. They were sitting on rocks when a sudden and powerful freak wave surrounded them, knocking several family members into the Atlantic Ocean.
While other relatives managed to scramble back to safety, young Inaayah was swept away. Her father, Zubair, recounted the harrowing moment to a local broadcaster, stating: 'We were just on rocks... half a metre high. The tide suddenly swept everyone out. Inaayah was on the rock behind me. We got swept to the right and she got swept to the left. I did not see where Inaayah was, as she got swept away so quickly.'
The family spent desperate hours calling her name and walking the beach, but there has been no sign of the little girl since the incident. A relative explained that the tide had appeared to be far out when they arrived, but came in rapidly within about twenty minutes, catching them completely unawares.
Family Criticises 'Inhumane' Local Response
The situation has been compounded by the family's growing frustration with the official search efforts. A family member in the UK told the Lancashire Telegraph that the support from Moroccan authorities had been 'inhumane', leaving relatives to conduct their own searches along the shoreline.
More shockingly, the family claim they were told by local officials that conditions were too rough for a sea search and that they should 'wait for the body to wash up.' They also stated they had received no warning about the potential dangers of walking on the coastal rocks outside the historic city.
Inaayah's father was blunt in his assessment, telling media: 'We are trying to get help, because the police here are... useless. They are not doing anything.'
Community Rallies with GoFundMe Appeal
Faced with this perceived official inaction, the family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the substantial costs of a private search. The funds are intended for boat hire, aerial support, and essential translator services to aid coordination. The appeal also aims to cover emergency travel and other unforeseen expenses arising from the ongoing crisis.
The page reads: 'This is an unimaginably distressing time for her parents and loved ones... We are urgently asking for your kind support... Every single penny truly counts and will go directly towards supporting the search for Inaya and the family's immediate needs.'
The campaign has seen an outpouring of support, raising over £43,000 so far from a concerned public.
Blackburn Community in Shock and Prayer
Back home in Blackburn, the community has been left reeling. Inaayah, a pupil at Roe Lee Park Primary School, has been described by a neighbour as a 'lovely, bubbly, cheeky little girl' who is her parents' only child and 'their whole world.' The neighbour added: 'We're all just in shock, we're devastated.'
Local political figures have voiced their support. Salim Sidat, councillor for Audley and Queens Park, called it a 'devastating situation' and urged the community to come together with 'love and generosity.'
Adnan Hussain, the Independent MP for Blackburn, said he was 'heartbroken' by the news and confirmed he had raised the case with the UK Foreign Office. He pledged to make direct contact with Morocco's ambassador to the UK, stating: '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.'
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed they are 'supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco and are in contact with the local authorities.' As the search continues, the family's hope persists, fueled by community solidarity and a determined effort to find their beloved daughter.
