Inaayah Makda disappeared on January 28 after being dragged into the Atlantic Ocean while sitting on rocks with her parents watching the sunset near Casablanca, Morocco.
The search for a seven-year-old British girl who was thrown into the sea during a family holiday in Morocco will be halted this weekend.
Inaayah Makda disappeared on January 28 after being dragged into the Atlantic Ocean while sitting on rocks with her parents watching the sunset near Casablanca. The search was hampered by heavy weather and rough seas, with no trace of the boy found.
Now Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain has confirmed the search will end at the end of this month. Mr Hussain has traveled to the country to support the family and liaise with local authorities.
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He said: “After sustained search efforts, Moroccan authorities have made the difficult assessment that the formal search operation will be completed by the end of this month.
“I have, however, asked the authorities to consider extending this period in light of the severe weather conditions that have affected the search. I await their response. I am also assured that SOS alerts will remain active and neighboring countries have been informed.”
He added: “I spent time with Inaayah’s parents during my visit. Their strength in the face of this heartbreak is deeply moving. This is an extremely painful moment for the family, and I respectfully ask that their privacy be respected as they begin to come to terms with this devastating situation.”
Earlier this week, Inaayah’s devastated parents asked people to keep her in their prayers – while accepting they may have to end the search.
Zubair and Tasneem Makda said a sudden wave washed her into the water. They were also dragged underwater, but lost sight of their daughter.
In a statement on the Blackburn Muslim Facebook page, they said they were going through the “most painful and unimaginable time” of their lives.
The statement read: “It has now been 25 days since our beloved daughter, Inaayah, went missing at sea in Casablanca, Morocco. This remains the most painful and unimaginable time of our lives. During this blessed month of Ramadan, we hold firmly to our faith. Allah reminds us: ‘Indeed, with hardship comes ease’ (Qur’an 94:6).
“We are deeply grateful for the prayers, support and generosity shown to our family. Moroccan authorities continue their efforts, including beach searches, underwater diving operations and continued naval patrols.
“In addition, we have organized independent search teams on the ground, continue to pursue drone search permits and distribute leaflets 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 help cover the costs of the ongoing search efforts. Organizers say donations have since been suspended “due to the complex nature of navigating authorities over authorizations and resources required.” Search efforts have also been disrupted by stormy conditions.
The family added: “Donations to GoFundMe have supported independent search teams and essential family expenses as we remained in Casablanca to coordinate efforts. Without this support, our ability to stay and continue the search would not have been possible
“We continue to explore all possible avenues. However, we recognize that there may come a time when we must make the heartbreaking decision to complete the physical search and place our complete trust in Allah’s decision.
“Should any funds remain after the search efforts are completed, they will be used for charitable purposes in Inaayah’s name. We will remain fully transparent in these decisions and ensure that every contribution continues to bring reward and benefit, InshaAllah
“We ask that you continue to remember Inaayah and our family in your prayers. With gratitude, Inaayah parents.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office previously said: “We are supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco and are in contact with local authorities.
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