A tragic and heart-wrenching incident has captured international attention: the disappearance of 7-year-old Inaayah Makda, a bright and beloved little girl from Blackburn, Lancashire, England. What began as a joyful weeklong family vacation in Morocco turned into every parent’s worst nightmare when a sudden, powerful wave swept Inaayah and her parents into the turbulent waters off the coast of Casablanca.

The Makda family—father Zubair, mother Tasneem, and their young daughter Inaayah—had traveled to Morocco eager to create lasting memories. For Inaayah, a “special girl” as her father tenderly describes her, this trip represented adventure, new sights, and quality time with her parents. They arrived full of excitement, planning to explore the vibrant culture, historic sites, and stunning coastline of North Africa. Little did they know that on the very first evening of their holiday—Wednesday, January 28, 2026—their dream vacation would shatter in an instant.

The family had chosen a scenic spot along the rocky coastline near Casablanca to watch the sunset. They settled on a series of low rocks, about half a meter high, scattered along the shore. The tide appeared far out when they first arrived, lulling them into a false sense of security. According to relatives, the water seemed distant, the waves calm and predictable. Within roughly 20 minutes, however, the sea betrayed them. The tide rushed in with alarming speed, transforming the peaceful scene into chaos.

Inaayah was perched on a rock just behind her father, Zubair. The family was simply sitting, soaking in the beauty of the moment, when without warning, a large, freak wave crashed over them. The force was immense—described as a sudden, overwhelming surge that knocked all three into the water. Zubair and Tasneem were swept out but managed to regain their footing or swim back toward safety relatively quickly. In the confusion of churning waves and disorientation, they desperately scanned the surface for their daughter. Inaayah vanished from sight almost immediately. Her small form was carried away by the current, lost amid the frothing sea.

Zubair later recounted the horrifying seconds in an emotional interview with a local Blackburn-based outlet, UCTV. “We were just on the rocks… that were sort of spread apart. It’s sort of like half a metre-high type of rocks and that’s when the tide just suddenly just swept everyone out. Inaayah was on a rock behind me,” he said. His voice broke as he continued: “I pray she’s okay and she’s on a rock or something and she’s just waiting for somebody to rescue her. I just pray she’s not gone and she’s not left us. I’ve always said that she’s a special girl.”

The words capture the raw agony of a father clinging to hope against overwhelming odds. In that moment, the family’s world narrowed to one desperate wish: that Inaayah had somehow clung to a rock farther out, cold and frightened but alive, waiting for rescue. Yet as minutes turned to hours, that hope was tested by silence from the sea.

Moroccan authorities, including the Civil Protection Team, were quickly alerted and launched search operations. Teams scoured the coastline and waters near the incident site. Drones were deployed to cover larger areas from above, offering a bird’s-eye view of the choppy seas. Boats joined the effort, combing the surface for any sign of the missing child. However, nature conspired against them. A fierce storm rolled in soon after, whipping up high winds, rough seas, and poor visibility. The very elements that had claimed Inaayah now hindered those trying to find her. Search efforts were repeatedly paused or slowed, leaving the family in agonizing limbo.

Back in the UK, the news spread rapidly through the tight-knit community of Blackburn. Adnan Hussain, the Independent Member of Parliament for Blackburn, became a vocal advocate for the family. Deeply moved by their plight, he spoke directly with Zubair and Inaayah’s aunt, offering his full support. “I am heartbroken by the news that 7-year-old Inaayah from Blackburn has been swept away by a wave while on holiday in Casablanca,” he posted on social media. He pledged to do everything possible to assist, including pressuring UK authorities and the Foreign Office to intervene.

Hussain’s efforts highlighted frustrations on the ground. The family reported feeling disregarded by local Moroccan police and emergency services, with some relatives describing the response as “inhumane.” Emails went unanswered, phone calls unreturned. Hussain himself visited the Moroccan Embassy in London, spending over an hour pressing for action, only to be unable to speak directly with senior officials. “I’m also in communication with the U.K. Foreign Office to ensure that they apply the necessary pressure on the Moroccan authorities to step up the search,” he stated.

In a later update, Hussain noted productive talks with the Moroccan ambassador, who promised to push local teams to intensify efforts. A dedicated Police Liaison Officer was requested to provide the family with immediate, on-the-ground support. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed they were in contact with Moroccan authorities and supporting the family.

Amid the bureaucratic hurdles and stormy weather, the family’s desperation grew. Inaayah’s aunt, Jamila, launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund private search resources—boats, aerial support like helicopters, and other essentials. The page, initially set up to aid the search and cover family expenses during this crisis, quickly gained traction. Donations poured in from sympathetic strangers, community members, and people moved by the story’s heartbreaking details. Within days, the fund surpassed £50,000 (approximately $65,000 USD), a testament to public compassion. However, organizers paused collections temporarily due to the “complex nature of navigating permissions and required resources through the authorities, alongside ongoing challenges with weather conditions.”

The campaign’s description painted a vivid picture of Inaayah: a joyful, energetic child who lit up rooms with her smile. Friends and neighbors shared memories of her laughter, her curiosity, and her kindness. In Blackburn, vigils and prayers were held, with the community uniting in hope. Mosques and local groups rallied, emphasizing solidarity in times of unimaginable grief.

This tragedy underscores the unpredictable power of the ocean. Rogue or sneaker waves—sudden, unusually large swells often caused by wave reflections, constructive interference, or shifting tides—can strike without warning, even in seemingly calm areas. The rocks where the Makdas sat, low and exposed, offered little protection when the sea turned aggressive. Experts note that such incidents, while rare, highlight the dangers of coastal exploration, especially with children. Signs warning of hazardous conditions are common in many areas, but in this case, the family was caught off-guard by the rapid tide change.

As days passed since the incident—now approaching a week by early February 2026—the search continued amid fading light and persistent hope. The storm eased at times, allowing renewed pushes with drones and boats. Yet each passing hour weighed heavier on the family. Zubair and Tasneem remained in Casablanca, refusing to leave without their daughter. Sleepless nights, endless waiting, and the constant replay of that fateful wave haunted them.

The story of Inaayah Makda has resonated far beyond Blackburn or Casablanca. It reminds us of life’s fragility, the unbreakable bond between parents and children, and the resilience of communities in crisis. In the face of uncertainty, the outpouring of support—from MP Hussain’s tireless advocacy to thousands of donations—offers a glimmer of humanity amid despair.

For now, the sea holds its secrets. The Makda family, supported by prayers from thousands, continues to hope. They envision Inaayah’s safe return—perhaps found clinging to debris, or washed ashore, cold but alive. “I just pray she’s not gone and she’s not left us,” Zubair said, his words echoing the silent plea in every parent’s heart.

Until that miracle arrives—or until answers come—the world watches, waits, and weeps for a little girl named Inaayah, swept away too soon on what should have been a dream vacation.