Essex Police Widen Search After Dock Footage in Brazilian Psychologist's Disappearance

Overview

• Police released a new timestamped image showing Vitória Figueiredo Barreto at 00:16 on March 4 near Brightlingsea’s docks, with a boat known to have been taken from its mooring between 00:16 and 00:36 but without clear images identifying who moved it.
• The vessel was later found adrift off Bradwell-on-Sea, returned to Brightlingsea, and is now part of the inquiry as officers consider the possibility that she may have taken it.
• Search operations entered an eighth day with areas expanded to the River Blackwater, the Dengie peninsula, the River Crouch and Mersea Island, using foot teams, drones, specialist dogs and coordinated volunteers.
• Earlier evidence includes a white bag reading “People Over Profit” recovered near Copperas Road and CCTV that police believe shows her climbing a fence by the port.
• Essex Police issued fresh appeals for CCTV and for boat owners to check their vessels, while the Brazilian consulate supports the family and local residents continue organized searches.