Investigators searching for missing Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer have shared an update following a major discovery in Tasmania’s north west.
Tasmania Police confirmed five bones, teeth and a Honda car key were found during a two-day search of the Arthur River area, where Cremer is believed to have disappeared.
The search area was about two kilometres from Philosopher Falls, near Cradle Mountain, Cremer’s last known location before she disappeared in June 2023
Cremer vanished in Tasmania’s rugged northwest more than two-and-a-half years ago.
A breakthrough came this January when police located human remains and items of clothing believed to belong to her.
Cremer was reported missing by her family on June 26, 2023, prompting a large-scale search involving police, SES ground crews, specialist swift water rescue teams, drones and a helicopter.
Investigators believe Cremer had gone bushwalking, as her car was found in the Philosopher Falls car park a day after her family lodged the missing person’s report.
Police have since confirmed the Honda car key recovered during the latest search belongs to Cremer.
“The search undertaken over the past two days was thorough and methodical, and many of these items were located beneath debris, embedded in the riverbed itself,” Commander Nathan Johnston said on Tuesday night.
Severe weather has repeatedly hampered search efforts, with police and paramedics forced to camp overnight in the remote area before being extracted on Monday.
Commander Johnston said police are continuing to keep Cremer’s family informed of developments.
During searches earlier this year, police located clothing including a polar fleece jacket, thermal top and bra. The discovery came after a bushwalking group found Cremer’s phone in December.
Forensic testing of the remains is continuing, with the investigation into her disappearance now expected to be overseen by the state coroner.
Image: Tasmania Police
