The family of a Blackburn child who went missing at sea during a family holiday in Morocco have issued a heartbreaking update, 25 days after she went missing.
Inaayah Makda, seven, was swept out to sea while the family sat on the rocks by the coast in Casablanca, Morocco.
Family members were swept into the water alongside their daughter, but lost sight of her as she was swept into the Atlantic Ocean.
Efforts to find the child have included charitable organisations, local volunteers and specialist diving units, but have so far been unsuccessful.
In an update, the family has now said that “there may come a time when we must make the heartbreaking decision to conclude the physical search and place trust fully in Allah’s decree.”
The family said: “It has now been 25 days since our beloved daughter, Inaayah, went missing at sea in Casablanca, Morocco.
"This continues to be the most painful and unimaginable time of our lives.
“During this blessed month of Ramadan, we are holding firmly onto our faith. Allah reminds us: 'Indeed, with hardship comes ease'.
"We are deeply grateful for the prayers, support and generosity shown to our family.
“The Moroccan authorities continue their efforts, including shoreline searches, underwater dive operations and ongoing naval patrols.
“Alongside this, we have organised independent ground search teams, continue to pursue drone search authorisation and leaflet distribution across coastal areas.
"The leaflet teams refused to accept payment, a kindness we will never forget.”
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The family are continuing to explore every possible avenue and thanked supporters for their GoFundMe donations, which made it possible for them to stay in the North African country and continue the search.
Their appeal passed the £61,000 mark, with funding used to cover the cost of shoreline searches, underwater dive operations and ongoing naval patrols.
The family added: “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 recognise there may come a time when we must make the heartbreaking decision to conclude the physical search and place our trust fully in Allah’s decree.
“Should there be any remaining funds after search efforts are concluded, they will be used for charitable causes in Inaayah’s name.
“We will remain fully transparent in those decisions and ensure that every contribution continues to carry reward and benefit, InshaAllah.
“We ask that you continue to keep Inaayah and our family in your prayers.”
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