Five bones, teeth and car key found in Tasmanian search for missing backpacker Celine Cremer | Tasmania

Investigators are getting closer to uncovering the mystery of what happened to Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, who went missing after a major discovery in the wilderness.

Tasmanian police found five bones, teeth and a Honda car key after a two-day search in the Arthur River area where Cremer is believed to have disappeared.

The operation was about 2km from Philosopher Falls near Cradle Mountain, the last place the 31-year-old visited in June 2023.

Cremer disappeared in Tasmania’s rugged north-west two and a half years ago, but a breakthrough was made in late January when officers found human remains and clothing items he was believed to be carrying.

The Belgian was reported missing by his family on 26 June 2023, sparking a massive search involving police and SES ground teams, specialist swift water rescue personnel, drones and a helicopter.

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Cremer was believed to have gone for a walk, and her car was found in the Philosopher Falls parking lot a day after the missing person report was filed.

Police Commander Nathan Johnston said in a statement on Tuesday night that it had been officially confirmed that the keys to the car belonged to Cremer.

“The search over the past two days was thorough and methodical, and many of these items were buried under debris, in the riverbed,” he said.

Severe weather conditions continually hindered the search; Police and medics were forced to stay in the camp overnight before being evacuated on Monday.

Police continue to keep Cremer’s family informed about the search process, Johnston said.

After a group hiking in the woods discovered her phone in December, a search in January turned up clothing, including a fleece jacket, thermal top and bra.

Forensic tests on the remains are ongoing and the investigation into her disappearance will be the responsibility of the state medical examiner.