Portuguese and German authorities have resumed searches for Madeleine McCann in Praia da Luz, Portugal, 18 years after her disappearance. The search focuses on disused buildings and wells near where she vanished and where prime suspect Christian Brückner stayed. This comes as Brückner's release from prison approaches.
Madeleine McCann: Search continues in Portugal's Praia da Luz
Madeleine McCann disappearancePortugal
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Portuguese and German authorities have resumed searches for Madeleine McCann in Praia da Luz, Portugal, 18 years after her disappearance. The search focuses on disused buildings and wells near where she vanished and where prime suspect Christian Brückner stayed. This comes as Brückner's release from prison approaches.
Trending- 1 2000-2017: Christian Brückner spent time in the area
- 2 2005: Christian Brückner commits rape in Portugal
- 3 3 May 2007: Madeleine McCann disappears from Ocean Club resort
- 4 2011: Operation Grange (Met Police investigation) begins
- 5 2020: German investigators take lead, identify Christian Brückner as prime suspect
- 6 2022: German documentary finds evidence linking Brückner to Ocean Club
- 7 Two years ago (2023): Last search focused around a reservoir
- 8 Last month (May 2025): Madeleine's parents mark 18th anniversary of disappearance
- 9 This week (June 2025): Searches resume in Praia da Luz
- 10 September 2025: Christian Brückner due for release (potentially pushed to early 2026)
- Continued police investigation and search efforts
- Ongoing legal proceedings against Christian Brückner
- High public and media attention on the case
What: Portuguese and German authorities resumed searches for Madeleine McCann, focusing on disused buildings and wells.
When: This week (search continues); 18 years after (disappearance); 3 May 2007 (disappearance date); 2020 (German investigators took lead); 2005 (Brückner's rape conviction); September (Brückner's potential release); early 2026 (Brückner's potential release if fine not paid); two years ago (last search); Monday (roads closed); Tuesday morning (police arrived); 2011 (Operation Grange started); last month (18th anniversary marked); 2022 (German documentary); article published 2025-06-04.
Where: Praia da Luz, Algarve, Portugal; municipality of Lagos; Ocean Club resort; a 21km sq site between Madeleine's disappearance location and Brückner's location; a reservoir to the north-east of where Madeleine was staying.
Why: The search is ongoing as Christian Brückner, the prime suspect, is nearing release from prison, and authorities fear he might disappear. German police suspect him of murder, while British police treat it as a missing persons case.
How: Authorities are conducting searches on private land across 21 different plots, clearing vegetation, and draining wells. The search is based on a European warrant approved by Portuguese prosecutors.