Human remains and items of clothing believed to belong to missing Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer have been discovered in north-west Tasmania. The finds, made during a renewed search of the Arthur River area near Waratah, follow Ms. Cremer's disappearance in June 2023. Forensic examination is required to formally confirm the identity of the remains.
Recent Discoveries in Arthur River
On Friday, additional human remains and several items of clothing were located in a section of the Arthur River. Commander Nathan Johnston of the Tasmania Police stated that a polar fleece jacket, a bra, a thermal top, and more bones were among the items found. These were located approximately 2.5 kilometers from Philosopher Falls, an area Ms. Cremer was believed to have visited.
While formal forensic confirmation is pending, authorities indicate that the nature and location of the items suggest they are likely linked to Ms. Cremer.
These discoveries followed an earlier find on Wednesday, when volunteer searcher Jarrod Boys located human bones in a riverbed. This initial find was about 3 kilometers north-east from a water race Ms. Cremer may have traversed, and included a lower jawbone near the water. Subsequently, police located an additional five items, believed to be human bones, in the same vicinity.
A pathologist has reviewed images and confirmed the remains are human.
Background to Disappearance
Celine Cremer, 31, was reported missing on June 26, 2023, while traveling as a backpacker in Tasmania. Her vehicle was located at the Philosopher Falls track head. An initial extensive search operation was conducted over nine days, but faced significant challenges due to heavy rainfall and difficult terrain. This initial search concluded after assessments indicated that survival under the prevailing conditions was unlikely.
Renewed Search Efforts Yield Clues
A private search operation recommenced in December 2023, involving volunteers and a private investigator. This renewed effort, aided by public awareness generated through YouTube videos by Rob Parsons, led to several key discoveries:
- Mobile Phone: Located approximately 300 meters from the walking track in thick shrub.
- Water Bottle: Found during subsequent searches.
- Garbage Bag: A plastic bag, potentially used as a poncho, was also found.
These items are currently undergoing forensic analysis. Jarrod Boys, who located the initial bones on Wednesday, had participated in these December searches, which provided crucial earlier clues.
Theories on Ms. Cremer's Movements
Several theories regarding Ms. Cremer's movements after her disappearance have been put forward:
- Disorientation: Search participants have theorized that Ms. Cremer became disoriented after walking off the track on a cold afternoon, prior to losing her phone.
- Movement Towards River: Inspector Andrew Hanson noted that the location of the bones is consistent with the police theory that Ms. Cremer became lost after losing her phone and may have moved towards the river in an attempt to reach a road.
- Environmental Factors: YouTube filmmaker Rob Parsons suggested Ms. Cremer might have attempted to return to the falls but was hindered by terrain, then proceeded downstream. The exact circumstances, including possibilities of a slip or hypothermia, remain unclear.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
Experts were transported to the discovery area by helicopter due to the difficult terrain, which is characterized by dense rainforest and heavy rainfall. The current police search has focused along the Arthur River, approximately 500 meters from where the initial human remains were found. Police are utilizing low water levels for thorough examination of the riverbed and banks, noting that a "swift-water rescue" operation in the same section during the 2023 initial search faced considerably higher water levels.
On Saturday, a six-member search and rescue team focused on an area downstream from Friday's discoveries. No further items were located on Saturday, and the search was paused for Sunday, with plans for reassessment.
Ms. Cremer's family in Belgium has been informed of these developments. Inspector Andrew Hanson stated that formal forensic analysis to confirm identity will take several weeks.
The coroner will ultimately determine the circumstances of Ms. Cremer's disappearance based on the gathered evidence.