Remains and car key found in search for missing tourist

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.

Five bones, teeth and a Honda car key were found by Tasmanian Police after a two-day search in the Arthur River area where Ms Cremer was believed to have gone missing.

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

Ms 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 she was believed to be carrying.

After the Belgian was reported missing by his family on 26 June 2023, a major search was launched, including police and SES ground teams, specialist swift water rescue personnel, drones and a helicopter.

Ms. 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.

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

“The search over the last two days was thorough and methodical and many of these items were buried under debris, buried in the river bed,” 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.

Commander Johnston said police were continuing to keep Ms Cremer’s family informed of the search process.

After a hiking group discovered his phone in December, clothes including a fleece jacket, thermal top and bra were found during a search in January.

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