The search operation for a seven-year-old girl who was swept out to sea in Morocco has been “hindered” by a storm, an MP has said.
Inaayah Makda, who is from Blackburn in Lancashire, was sitting on some rocks on the beach in Casablanca when she was hit by a large wave on Wednesday, her family has told the BBC.
In a post on social media on Friday evening, the independent MP for Blackburn, Adnan Hussain, revealed search efforts are continuing but “have been hindered due to a storm”.
Mr Hussain said: “Following a productive conversation earlier today I have received strong assurances from the ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco that he will do all in his power to ensure every action is taken by local authorities to assist in the search for Inaayah.
“On behalf of the family, I asked the ambassador to help push for the assignment of a dedicated police liaison officer to provide direct and immediate support for the family on the ground.”
Casablanca’s governor said the Moroccan Civil Protection Team is at the scene and will provide updates to the Foreign Office, Mr Hussain added.
“Further to this, the Foreign Office has confirmed to me that they have reiterated my request for a dedicated police liaison officer with the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that steps are being taken to ensure constant and unimpeded communication takes place between the families and the authorities,” he said.
“The governor of Casablanca has also confirmed that the Civil Protection Team is continuing search operations.
“I understand the defence attaché has also agreed to raise the case with the defence ministry.”
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Mr Hussain, who has been supporting Inaayah’s family since the incident earlier this week, thanked the Moroccan ambassador, Moroccan authorities and the Foreign Office.
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He added: “I remain in constant contact with the family, and will continue to provide whatever further assistance I can.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank and commend the people of Blackburn for coming together and offering support and solidarity to Inaayah’s family during this devastating time.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said they are “supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco and are in contact with the local authorities”.
