The family of a seven-year-old British girl missing in Morocco have spoken of their "unbearable pain" as the search for their daughter is being severely hampered by adverse weather conditions and a perceived lack of practical support from UK authorities.
Search Efforts Hampered by Severe Storm Conditions
Inaayah Makda, a bright and loving child from Blackburn in Lancashire, was sitting on rocks at a beach in Casablanca when she was swept out to sea by a powerful wave on Wednesday. Her family has revealed that search and rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to a severe storm that has brought rough seas and difficult coastal terrain.
Independent MP for Blackburn, Adnan Hussain, confirmed on Friday that while search efforts continue, they have been "hindered due to a storm" that has complicated rescue operations along the Moroccan coastline.
Family's Heartbreaking Appeal for Enhanced Support
In an emotional statement, Inaayah's family described how their "world has been forever changed" since the incident, with every passing minute filled with "unbearable pain, fear, and hope." They have made a desperate appeal to the UK government for more substantial assistance in the search for their daughter.
The family expressed deep concern about the limited practical support received from British authorities, stating: "While we have been told that our case is being monitored, this has not translated into tangible action."
They emphasized they are not asking the UK government to take over the search operation, but rather to "actively advocate with Moroccan authorities for expanded efforts, to push for additional resources, and to provide the necessary coordination and expertise to strengthen the search."
Reliance on Local Volunteers and Public Generosity
The family revealed they have been forced to depend heavily on local volunteers and private search efforts, supported by public donations and community generosity. They stressed that Inaayah is "not just a statistic" but "a little girl who deserves every possible chance to be found."
"We are asking, simply and desperately, for everything that can be done - now," the family pleaded. "We will not stop searching for our daughter, and we ask the public to continue keeping her in their prayers."
Foreign Office Response and Ongoing Concerns
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office previously stated they are "supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco and are in contact with the local authorities." However, the family maintains this support has not translated into the practical, urgent assistance they need to escalate search efforts.
The family's statement concluded with a powerful reminder: "This is not about blame. This is about a little girl who is deeply loved and missed, and about parents who are doing everything in their power to bring their daughter home."
