A pair of stray British tourists reported missing after the earthquake in Morocco appear to have slept safely on the streets of a remote village

Two British tourists reported missing after Morocco’s devastating earthquake have been found alive, sleeping safely on the streets of a remote village.

Rebecca Calvert, 65, and girlfriend Hilary Mckegney, 64, had been out of contact with family and friends since the catastrophic magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the country on Friday, killing more than 2,000 people.

Ms Calvert’s daughter Katie had taken to

But growing fears about their safety came to an end when the husband of Mrs Calvert from Windsor, Berkshire, said she was staying on the street with Mrs Mckegney from Taunton, Somerset in the village about 30 miles south of Marakesh .

They had just arrived in Imlil for a hiking trip and were reportedly staying at Hotel Le Village Du Toubkal when the earthquake struck.

Before they were found, Katie wrote: ‘Our mother – Rebecca Calvert – is currently missing in Morocco, in the town of Imlil, near the earthquake.

‘She was staying at Hotel Le Village Du Toubkal. We are sick of worry and need your help to find her and bring her home safely.

“I called the State Department and reported her missing, but they can’t tell me that there are people on the ground searching in this particular region, and this is an incredibly time-sensitive situation. Reports indicate that the rescue efforts will not help within the stipulated time.

‘Please urgently send UK resources to the specific region (Imlil) and provide an urgent update on their whereabouts. At least two British nationals reported there. If we get there quickly, we can save them.’

The State Department told Mrs. Calvert’s husband, Will, that the city was unscathed in the earthquake.

The 66-year-old, director of Windsor and Eton Brewery, told the PA news agency that his wife was incredibly lucky to be safe as she lived within 20 miles of the earthquake epicenter.

‘We’ve lost all contact. Communications were down. The only road there was closed.

‘We have made contact in every possible way. We went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through our MP and they managed to find out some information.

‘They told us there were indications that the village was relatively unscathed, which was surprising given its proximity to the epicenter. It was probably within twenty miles.

‘It sounded hopeful. Finally we heard from my wife and her friend (on Sunday). They slept on the street with the locals for two days.’

Mrs Calvert was finally able to get a phone signal again when she traveled to Marrakech on Sunday and spoke to her husband.

He added: ‘There will be many in a much less fortunate position. There is no doubt that she was extremely fortunate to be so close to the epicenter and the building.

‘One thing that became clear from the conversation with the MP was that there are quite a few British nationals living in that area. So there’s bound to be someone in a less fortunate position.’

Ms Mckegney and Ms Calvert would sleep on the floor of Marrakech airport on Sunday and hope to fly back to London Gatwick on Monday, Mr Calvert added.

But their journey could be delayed and the man was told there was a crack in the runway at Marrakech airport.

Mrs Calvert’s son Callum wrote on X today: ‘We have now heard from Rebecca’s tour group and she is safe and well and currently traveling to the airport to return home.

“We greatly appreciate the support from everyone, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, @AdamAfriyie and his Chief of Staff, and all the friends and strangers who have gone above and beyond to help us.

“It is clear that this is an ongoing crisis and many others remain in need. I feel so deeply for everyone affected by the tragedy, and I truly hope that others in similar situations will fare well.”

Windsor and Eton FC, where Mr Calvert is also listed as a director, posted an update on their Facebook page.

“Many of you may know that Willy Calvert’s wife Rebecca and her friend were involved close to the earthquake in Morocco,” they wrote.

“We are so happy to let you all know that they are safe and sound.

‘Willy has been so crucial in helping to create our new club and whilst our thoughts and hopes go out to everyone who has not been so lucky in this terrible event, we can at least celebrate the fantastic news that Rebecca and her boyfriend are safe .’

Tourists are leaving Morocco en masse after the country was rocked by a devastating earthquake.

Morocco was hit by its worst earthquake in 60 years late on Friday evening, bringing down buildings across the country and forcing citizens and tourists to sleep on the streets as fears grew that buildings would collapse on them.

Thousands of holidaymakers were seen leaving the affected country, while queues were seen at the main entrances of several Moroccan airports, including Marrakech airport.

The British government has sent 60 search and rescue specialists, four sniffer dogs and rescue equipment to Morocco.

While an emergency medical team has also been deployed to assess the existing healthcare capacity and the extent of the damage.