Search intensifies for missing woman Vitoria Figueiredo Barreto in Brightlingsea
Police continue their efforts with specialist resources and community support
Last updated 11th Mar 2026
Police in Brightlingsea are ramping up efforts to find missing Brazilian woman Vitoria Figueiredo Barreto, who was reported as missing on 4th March.
Vitoria, 30, was last seen at Essex University on 3rd March with a friend who reported her disappearance a day later.
Officers have reported that they're aware of a boat having been taken from its mooring in Brightlingsea in the early hours of Wednesday 4 March.
This report has consistently formed part of police enquiries, alongside numerous others which are also continuing to be explored diligently.
Police say the boat had been located on a drift in the water close to Bradwell-on-Sea and returned to Brightlingsea. It is the subject of a police search.
The discovery of Vitoria’s bag off Copperas Road on Monday, which is close to where the boat was unmoored, has meant that police focus on this line of enquiry has intensified.
The last sighting of Victoria was at 12;16am on Wednesday 4 March.
Between 12.16am and 12.36am, the boat was unmoored.
Vitoria is not seen on CCTV and at this stage there is no clear and identifiable footage of the person who unmoored the boat. However, police are exploring the possibility that it could be Victoria.
The boat’s route from Brightlingsea to where it was found close to Bradwell has consistently informed the searches which have been carried out.
What we know so far:
Investigations have tracked Vitoria’s last known movements as she boarded the number 87 bus on Boundary Road, Wivenhoe, at 1pm and got off on Bellfield Avenue, Brightlingsea, 30 minutes later.
Footage then captured her in the Hurst Green area at 2.30pm.
Police have released CCTV footage showing her journey on the bus and presence in Hurst Green.
She was wearing a dark coat, blue turtleneck jumper, light blue jeans, and black trainers while carrying a white shoulder tote bag with "people over profit" written on it.
A bag matching this description was found near Copperas Road on 9th March by a member of the public.
Investigators believe since CCTV showed a figure jumping over a fence into a boatyard near where the bag was found, it could potentially be Vitoria.
Teams are focusing on specific zones in Brightlingsea with officers on foot, drone use, specialist search dogs, and assistance from Essex Search and Rescue volunteers.
Liliane Silva, a close friend, shared concerns over the situation: "We are really concerned; we’re really worried. We know she is probably not in a good place. We don’t know really why and we don’t want to judge it now, we just want her with us."
Detective Superintendent Anna Granger emphasized the importance of the investigation: “Whilst this is a very significant police investigation, at its heart is a missing daughter, partner and friend who is clearly loved. Each officer who is a part of this search is determined to do all we can to find Vitoria.”
D/Supt Granger added: “I would also like to continue to appeal to the Brightlingsea community. Have you seen Vitoria? Have you checked your CCTV? Even the smallest bit of information can be significant. And finally, to Vitoria’s loved ones – I promise we are doing all we can to find her.”
Anyone with information is urged to call 999, quoting incident 622 of 4th March.