Search for Missing Belgian Tourist Celine Cremer Resumes in Tasmania After Remains Found
Tasmania Police will resume searching bushland near Waratah, in the state’s north-west, this weekend for items belonging to Celine Cremer, the Belgian tourist who disappeared in June 2023. The renewed search comes after the discovery of human remains last week, sparking a fresh wave of investigation into the case.
Six police search and rescue personnel, along with two wilderness paramedics, are scheduled to begin the search on Sunday, weather permitting. They will focus on the rugged terrain along the Arthur River, an area previously identified as significant in the investigation. Police announced today that the team will be deployed for two days, concentrating on locating further items that may provide clues to Ms. Cremer’s disappearance.
The initial discovery of bones prompted the latest phase of the search. While authorities have not yet formally identified the remains, they believe they are likely connected to the 31-year-old Ms. Cremer. Forensic analysis is underway, but police cautioned that it will take “several weeks” to determine the identity of the remains definitively.
Ms. Cremer was last seen after embarking on a hike at Philosopher Falls. When she failed to board the Spirit of Tasmania ferry for her planned departure, authorities were alerted. Her vehicle was subsequently found in the car park at the tourist site, initiating an extensive search that was later paused without success.
The search effort was later continued by a private investigator and a group of volunteers, including friends of Ms. Cremer. This independent effort yielded a breakthrough in December with the discovery of a mobile phone, a water bottle, and other personal items, suggesting Ms. Cremer had been in the area near the Arthur River.
More recently, on January 30, 2026, police announced the discovery of additional human remains and clothing items – including a bra and a thermal top – along a section of the Arthur River, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the initial bone discovery. Commander Nathan Johnston stated that these items are also believed to belong to Ms. Cremer, though formal forensic confirmation is still pending.
“Today’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,” Commander Johnston said. “Our search team has continued to work into the early evening today, and the plan is for police to continue to methodologically search the area tomorrow.”
Police are maintaining close contact with Ms. Cremer’s family, providing updates on the investigation “as sensitively and promptly as possible.”
While the investigation continues, authorities have indicated that foul play is not currently considered the most likely scenario. According to the Tasmanian Times, the focus is on tracing Ms. Cremer’s movements downstream along the Arthur River. Forensic analysis of her mobile phone is also being conducted, but investigators reportedly believe third-party involvement is “exceptionally unlikely.”
The search area is known for its challenging terrain and dense bushland, making the operation particularly difficult. Despite the obstacles, Tasmania Police remain committed to uncovering the truth surrounding Ms. Cremer’s disappearance and providing closure to her family.
