Tasmania Police Suspend Search for Missing Belgian Tourist's Remains in Remote Wilderness
The intensive search for human remains and personal belongings linked to the disappearance of Belgian tourist Celine Cremer in Tasmania's rugged northwest wilderness has been temporarily halted by authorities. After a second day of meticulous searching on Saturday, Tasmania Police announced they were pausing the operation without locating any additional items believed to belong to the missing woman.
Significant Discoveries Made Despite Search Suspension
Commander Nathan Johnston confirmed that while it was disappointing not to find further evidence on Saturday, the discoveries made the previous day remained highly significant. A team of six search and rescue experts had focused their efforts on an area downstream from where human remains and other items were located on Friday.
'At this stage, the search will not resume tomorrow, with a plan to reassess the situation,' Commander Johnston stated late on Saturday. The operation, led by police approximately 2km from Philosopher Falls near Cradle Mountain, marks the last known location visited by the 31-year-old in June 2023.
Forensic Examination Required for Positive Identification
Police revealed that a polar fleece jacket, likely belonging to Ms Cremer, was among the items discovered by officers on Friday. Additional findings included a bra, a thermal top, and more bones. Commander Johnston told reporters that while forensic examination would be necessary to confirm identity definitively, 'due to the nature of the items located, and the location, we believe they are Celine's.'
The process of identification could take as many as three weeks, according to initial police estimates. However, Ms Cremer's mother, Ariane Cremer, shared on social media that authorities had informed her it might take 'a lot longer than three weeks' to confirm the identity through comprehensive forensic analysis.
Background to the Disappearance and Search Efforts
Celine Cremer was reported missing by her family on June 26, 2023, sparking an extensive search operation involving:
- Police and State Emergency Service ground crews
- Specialist swift water rescue personnel
- Drone surveillance teams
- Helicopter support
It is believed she set off on a walk, with her car discovered in the Philosopher Falls trailhead car park on June 27, 2023, just one day after police were alerted to concerns about her welfare.
Separate Investigations and Previous Discoveries
The current police-led search follows a privately organised renewed search effort that initially discovered human remains on Wednesday. These remains are being treated as part of a separate investigation until full forensic testing can be completed.
The bones will undergo comprehensive examination by:
- A forensic pathologist
- An anthropologist
- An odontologist
- DNA analysis specialists
This same search group had previously discovered Ms Cremer's phone in December, adding to the evidence collected during the prolonged investigation. Responsibility for the case will ultimately fall to the state coroner once all forensic processes are complete.
'We recognise how significant these developments are for Celine's family, and we are ensuring they receive updates as sensitively and promptly as possible,' Commander Johnston emphasised, acknowledging the emotional toll on Ms Cremer's loved ones after two-and-a-half years of uncertainty.
