With no definite sightings of missing Brazilian psychologist Vitoria Barreto after three weeks, Essex Police has said that it has completed “the vast majority” of its physical search work.

After an extensive operation covering Brightlingsea, Bradwell, the Dengie peninsula and surrounding coastlines and waters, the officer leading the search, Det. Supt Anna Granger, said: “This is not a position anyone involved in the search wanted to get to – and I’m acutely aware of the pain her loved ones are feeling at the moment.”

Vitoria was last seen on CCTV in a Brightlingsea boatyard on March 4. A boat was untied from a pontoon in Brightlingsea Creek in the early hours of that morning, but police have been unable to confirm that the person involved was Vitoria, or if she was on the boat as it drifted to Bradwell.

Vitoria Figueredo Barreto

On Wednesday, March 25, police revealed that there had been a probable further sighting of Vitoria, captured by private CCTV on the day she arrived in Brightlingsea – March 3. The sighting shows the person believed to be Vitoria at 3.33pm, on land between Back Waterside Lane and Mill Street, one hour after she was seen on Hurst Green.

Although the footage was captured from a distance, police believe it is likely to be her. “This means it is quite possible that walkers in that area may have seen this person,” said Det. Supt Granger. “Where you in the area the time and do you remember seeing this woman?”

Det. Supt Granger also revealed that attempts to access Vitoria’s communication and financial data had so far been fruitless. “Whilst all our requests have been made through the correct international channels, at this stage we are yet to receive any data,” she said.

“We know this international work has the support of the Vitoria’s loved ones and the Brazilian Embassy. Vitoria’s banking and communications being registered outside of the UK does pose a challenge and we have sought to gain access to these through the correct channels as quickly as possible.”

Det. Supt Granger added: “Although our physical searches of land, coastline and water continue to be finalised, I hope it is clear that our work to find Vitoria has not stopped. We continue to receive reports of sightings, which are followed up with particular focus and Vitoria’s loved ones are being kept up to date with all our work.

“At the heart of all this is Vitoria who is a much-loved daughter, sister, partner and friend. Her loved ones are desperate for answers and with each day that passes their concern and the pain of not knowing grows deeper.”

On Sunday, March 22, Vitoria’s family and friends gathered with members of the Brazilian diaspora and Brightlingsea residents who’ve helped with the search, for a vigil on Hurst Green. The event, which featured songs and prayers led by Brightlingsea clergy Mark Swires and Caroline Beckett, was described as “poignant and moving” on the Find Vitoria Barreto Facebook page.

Search for Vitoria Timeline

Tuesday March 3

• Vitoria travels to Essex University with friend
• 1pm: Vitoria catches an 87 bus to Brightlingsea at Boundary Road, Wivenhoe
• 1.30pm: Leaves bus at Bellfield Avenue
• 2.30pm: Seen on doorbell camera at Hurst Green

Wednesday March 4

• 12.16pm: Vitoria seen on CCTV in boatyard on Brightlingsea’s Shipyard Estate
• 12.16-12.32pm: Boat unmoored in Brightlingsea Creek
• Vitoria reported missing
• Police searches begin

Monday March 9

• Vitoria’s bag found near fence bordering Shipyard Estate
• Forensic officers seen on Shipyard Estate

Wednesday March 11

• Searches carried out on coastline along the Rivers Blackwater & Crouch, the Dengie peninsula and the southern coast of Mersea Island by Essex police air suppor, marine unit and specialist search teams

Thursday March 12

• Coastline searches continue

Saturday March 14

• Laptop discovered in Brightlingsea

Sunday March 15

• Family and friends take boat trip following route believed to have been taken by the unmoored boat

Tuesday March 17

• Police examining new CCTV footage of the harbour

Friday March 20

• Police say vast majority of “physical search” work has been completed.

Sunday March 22

• Vigil held on Hurst Green

Wednesday March 25

• Police say Vitoria “likely” to have been seen on CCTV on afternoon of March 3.
• Accessing communication and banking data is “proving a challenge”.

• Essex Police has opened a dedicated portal through which any information as to Vitoria’s whereabouts can be reported. Alternatively, anyone with information can call 999, quoting incident 622 of 4 March.