Police in Tasmania have suspended search operations after making significant discoveries in the case of missing Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer. The decision follows the recovery of additional bones and clothing items, including a polar fleece jacket, along a section of the Arthur River near Waratah on the state's west coast.
Latest Developments in the Search
Investigators located what they believe to be further human remains on Friday during continued search efforts in the same area where initial remains were found earlier in the week. The polar fleece jacket discovered is strongly believed to have belonged to the 31-year-old Belgian national who vanished during a solo bushwalk in June 2023.
Commander Nathan Johnston detailed the search methodology, explaining that police search and rescue experts were winched into the remote area by helicopter approximately 2.5 kilometres from Philosopher Falls to conduct a detailed line search of the river system. "Friday's search resulted in the discovery of more bones, as well as clothing items – including a polar fleece jacket – that we believe are likely to belong to Celine," Johnston stated.
Search Efforts Concluded
After extensive searches on Saturday failed to yield any new discoveries, authorities made the difficult decision to call off future search operations as they reassess their investigation. "While it is unfortunate we have not located any further items today, our crews have searched extensively over the past two days, and the discoveries made yesterday remain significant," Johnston said on Saturday afternoon.
The commander emphasized that formal forensic confirmation of identity is still pending and may require additional time, but noted that "the location and nature of the items found today indicate they are likely to be Celine's." Police have assured the public that they understand the strong interest in this case and will continue providing information when possible.
Background of the Disappearance
Celine Cremer was last seen on June 17, 2023, when she embarked on a solo bushwalk at Philosopher Falls near Cradle Mountain. Police believe she may have left the established track to take a more direct route back to her vehicle as daylight began to fade. Her car was later discovered in the Philosopher Falls carpark, but she wasn't reported missing until nine days after her disappearance.
The recent discoveries follow a breakthrough in December when a volunteer search team led by filmmaker and YouTuber Rob Parsons found Cremer's mobile phone and what appeared to be a makeshift shelter – the first significant sign of the missing backpacker in two years. Volunteer searcher Jarrod Boys had located initial remains during an independent search on Wednesday, just days before Friday's additional findings.
Family Considerations and Investigation
Police have acknowledged the emotional impact of these developments on Cremer's family, stating they are ensuring relatives receive updates "as sensitively and promptly as possible." The suspension of search activities represents a shift in the investigation as authorities now focus on forensic analysis and reassessment of the case based on the evidence collected.
The rugged terrain of Tasmania's west coast has presented significant challenges throughout the search operation, with the remote location near Waratah requiring helicopter access for search teams. As the investigation enters a new phase, authorities will be analyzing the recovered items while maintaining communication with both the family and the concerned public who have followed this case closely.
