search for a seven-year-old British girl who was swept out to sea during a family holiday

Inaia Makada disappeared after being dragged into the Atlantic on January 28 as she watched the sunset while sitting on the rocks with her parents near Casablanca, Morocco.

The search for a seven-year-old British girl who was swept out to sea during a family holiday in Morocco will be called off this weekend.

Inayah Makda disappeared on January 28 after being dragged into the Atlantic while sitting on the rocks near Casablanca with her parents, watching the sunset. Search operations have been hampered by bad weather and rough seas, resulting in no trace of the youth.

Now Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain has confirmed the search will end at the end of the month. Mr Hussein has travelled to the country to support the family and liaise with local officials.

Make sure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google searches by making us a favourite source. Click here to activate. Or add us as your preferred source to your Google search settings.

Inayah Makada which was swept into the sea near Casablanca (Image: Handout)

 

He said, “After continued search efforts, the Moroccan authorities have made a tough assessment that the formal search operation will end at the end of this month.

“However, I have requested that the authorities consider extending this period in view of the severe weather conditions affecting the search. I am awaiting their response. I have also been assured that SOS alerts will remain active and neighbouring countries have been informed.”

He added, “I have spent time with Inaaya’s parents during my visit. Their strength in the face of such heartbreak is deeply impressive. This is an exceptionally painful moment for the family, and I respectfully request that their privacy be respected as they begin to deal with this devastating situation.”

Earlier this week Anya’s heartbroken parents asked people to keep her in their prayers – acknowledging they may have to end the search.

Inayah Makada which was swept into the sea near Casablanca (Image: MastersofMartialArtsB’Byrne/SWNS)

 

Zubair and Tasneem Makda said that she was swept away in the water by a sudden wave. He also kept getting dragged under the water but could not see his daughter.

In a statement on the Blackburn Muslim Facebook page, he said he was going through “the most painful and unimaginable time” of his life.

The statement said, “It has now been 25 days since our beloved daughter Inaaya went missing at sea off Casablanca, Morocco. This remains the most painful and unimaginable time of our lives. During this blessed month of Ramadan, we hold fast to our faith. Allah reminds us: ‘Truly, difficulty leads to ease’ (Quran 94:6).

“We are extremely grateful for the prayers, support and generosity shown towards our family. Moroccan authorities are continuing their efforts, including shoreline searches, underwater diving operations and ongoing naval patrols.

“Along with this, we have organised independent ground search teams and continued to pursue drone search authorisation and leaflet distribution in coastal areas. The leaflet teams refused to accept payment, a kindness we will never forget.”

A GoFundMe appeal has so far raised more than £61,000 to cover the costs of the ongoing search efforts. Organisers say donations have been put on hold ‘due to the complex nature of navigating permissions through authorities and the resources required’. Search efforts have also been hampered due to stormy conditions.

The family said, “GoFundMe donations have supported independent search teams and essential family expenses while we remain in Casablanca coordinating efforts. Without this support, our ability to stay and continue the search would not have been possible

“We continue to explore every possible avenue. However, we recognize that a time may come when we must take the heart-wrenching decision to end the material pursuit and place our complete trust in the command of Allah

Any remaining funds will be donated to charity in Inaaya’s name. We will be completely transparent in those decisions and ensure that every contribution continues to provide reward and benefit, Insha’Allah

“We ask that you keep Inaya and our family in your prayers. With gratitude, Inaya’s parents.”

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office previously said, “We are supporting the family of a missing British national in Morocco and are in contact with local authorities.