In a significant development in a long-running missing person case, items of clothing believed to belong to Celine Cremer, a Belgian tourist who vanished over two years ago, have been discovered near further human remains in a remote area of Tasmania. The findings have intensified the investigation into the 31-year-old's disappearance, which has remained a mystery since June 2023.
Search Operation Intensifies Near Philosopher Falls
Police conducted a detailed search of a section of the Arthur River near Waratah on Tasmania's rugged west coast this Friday. This operation was initiated after a bushwalker, involved in a privately-led renewed effort to locate Ms Cremer, discovered bones earlier in the week. The search area is approximately two kilometres from Philosopher Falls, close to Cradle Mountain, which was the last known location visited by Ms Cremer on June 17, 2023.
Discovery of Personal Items and Remains
Commander Nathan Johnston confirmed that officers located a polar fleece jacket, which is strongly believed to belong to Ms Cremer, during Friday's search. Additionally, a bra and a thermal top were found alongside more bones in the vicinity. Commander Johnston stated to reporters, 'Whilst further forensic examination will need to be conducted to confirm the identity, due to the nature of the items located, and the location, we believe they are Celine's.'
The discovery follows the earlier find of human remains, including a jawbone, by a bushwalker on Wednesday. Police have been treating these remains as part of a separate investigation pending confirmation of identity. This private search group had previously recovered Ms Cremer's mobile phone, adding crucial pieces to the puzzle of her disappearance.
Background of the Disappearance
Celine Cremer was reported missing by her family on June 26, 2023, sparking an extensive search operation. This involved police and State Emergency Service ground crews, specialist swift water rescue personnel, drones, and a helicopter. It is believed she set off on a walk, and her car was found in the Philosopher Falls car park on June 27, 2023, just a day after the missing person report was filed. The case has drawn attention due to the challenging terrain and the prolonged uncertainty surrounding her fate.
Forensic Examination Underway
The newly discovered bones and clothing items will undergo rigorous forensic analysis to establish definitive identification. Testing is expected to take several weeks before a coroner can confirm the identity. The remains will be examined by a pathologist, anthropologist, and odontologist, with DNA testing to be conducted at Forensic Science Services Tasmania.
Commander Johnston emphasised the sensitivity of the situation, noting, 'We recognise how significant these developments are for Celine's family, and we are ensuring they receive updates as sensitively and promptly as possible.' Search teams are continuing their operations into Friday night and plan to return to the area on Saturday to further scour the location for any additional evidence.
This latest discovery marks a poignant chapter in the search for Celine Cremer, offering potential closure to her family while highlighting the persistent efforts of authorities and volunteers in resolving such complex missing person cases in remote Australian wilderness areas.
