Desperate Search for Missing Brazilian Psychologist in Essex
Brightlingsea, Essex – A large-scale search is underway for Vitória Figueiredo Barreto, a 30-year-old clinical psychologist from Brazil, who has been missing since March 3rd. Police are investigating the possibility that Barreto took a boat from Brightlingsea, and a vessel matching that description was later found adrift near Bradwell-on-Sea.
Last Known Movements
Barreto arrived in the UK on February 2nd, having previously attended a conference in Morocco. She was staying with her friend, Liliane Silva, in Southend-on-Sea, and working on a research project at the University of Essex in Colchester. On March 3rd, Barreto met with Silva at the university before traveling to Brightlingsea by bus.
According to Essex Police, Barreto was last seen on CCTV at 00:16 on March 4th, jumping over a fence into a boatyard. Between 00:16 and 00:36, when a boat was taken from its mooring, she was no longer visible on CCTV footage .
Police Investigation
Essex Police have been searching “a hugely significant area of land and coastline” along the River Blackwater, Dengie peninsula and River Crouch, along with 2.5km on the southern coast of Mersea Island . They have also requested that owners of boats moored in Brightlingsea check their vessels and have appealed for anyone with CCTV footage of the harbor area to come forward.
A white shoulder bag, matching the description of one Barreto was carrying, was found on Copperas Road, near the Brightlingsea waterfront .
Concerns for Well-being
Family and friends have expressed significant concern for Barreto’s safety. Liliane Silva, Barreto’s friend, stated that Barreto was “not herself” on the morning of March 3rd and was unusually quiet . Silva also noted that Barreto had been struggling with her mental health and was “dreaming about maybe becoming a student one day” at the University of Essex .
Barreto worked as a clinical psychologist in Fortaleza, Brazil, and had experience training other professionals internationally .
Ongoing Search
The search for Vitória Figueiredo Barreto continues, and Essex Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.