A search aimed at the discovery of clothing and human remains near a location where a Belgian hiker disappeared in Tasmania more than two years ago has entered a second day.
However, it could be at least three weeks before we know whether the bones, jacket and other items belonged to Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, who disappeared in the state’s rugged northwest in June 2023.
The operation, led by police, takes place about 2km from Philosopher Falls near Cradle Mountain, the last location the 31-year-old visited at the time.
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 rapid water rescue personnel, drones and a helicopter.
It is believed she went for a walk and her car was found in the Falls car park, a day after police were alerted to concerns about her welfare.
Found jacket, bra, thermal top
Commander Nathan Johnston confirmed that a polar fleece jacket, believed to be Ms Cremer’s, was among the items found by officers on Friday.
He said a bra and thermal top had also been discovered, along with more bones.
“While further forensic investigation will be required to confirm the identity, due to the nature of the items found and the location, we believe they belong to Celine,” Johnston told reporters.
Cremer’s mother, Ariane Cremer, said on social media that she had been contacted by police, who indicated it could take “much longer than three weeks” to confirm the identity.
The responsibility will ultimately lie with the state coroner.
A bushwalker involved in a privately led renewed search for Cremer initially discovered human remains on Wednesday.
They will be treated as a separate investigation until a full range of forensic tests can be carried out.
The bones are examined by a pathologist, anthropologist and odontologist and undergo DNA analysis.
The same search group discovered Cremer’s phone in December.
“We recognize how important these developments are to Celine’s family, and we are ensuring they receive the updates as sensitively and quickly as possible,” Johnston said.
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