A search centred on the discovery of clothing and human remains near a location where a Belgian hiker disappeared more than two years ago in Tasmania has entered a second day.
However, it might take at least three weeks before learning whether the bones, jacket and other items belonged to Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, who vanished in the state’s rugged northwest in June 2023.
The operation, led by police, is about 2km from Philosopher Falls near Cradle Mountain, the last location the 31-year-old visited then.
Police searched a section of the Arthur River near Waratah on Friday after a bushwalker discovered remains, including a jawbone, earlier this week.
Ms Cremer was reported missing by her family on June 26, 2023, sparking a major search involving police and SES ground crews, specialist swift water rescue personnel, drones and a helicopter.
It’s believed she set off on a walk and her car was found in the falls car park a day after police were alerted to the concerns for her welfare.
Jacket, bra, thermal top found
Commander Nathan Johnston confirmed a polar fleece jacket, likely Ms Cremer’s, was among the items found by officers on Friday.
He said a bra and a thermal top had also been discovered, along with more bones.
“Whilst further forensic examination will need to be conducted to confirm the identity, due to the nature of the items located, and the location, we believe they are Celine’s,” Johnston told reporters.
Cremer’s mother Ariane Cremer took to social media, saying she had been contacted by police who indicated it might take “a lot longer than three weeks” to confirm the identity.
Responsibility will ultimately fall to the state coroner.
A bushwalker involved in a privately led renewed search for Cremer initially discovered human remains on Wednesday.
They are being treated as a separate investigation until a full gamut of forensic tests can be conducted.
The bones will be examined by a pathologist, anthropologist and odontologist and undergo DNA analysis.
The same search group discovered Cremer’s phone in December.
“We recognise how significant these developments are for Celine’s family, and we are ensuring they receive updates as sensitively and promptly as possible,” Johnston said.
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