A mobile phone discovered in Tasmania’s rugged wilderness has been confirmed as belonging to Celine Cremer, a Belgian tourist missing for over a year.
Private searchers located the phone in the Philosopher Falls area, marking the first significant breakthrough since Cremer’s disappearance in June 2023.
Tasmania Police were immediately notified and are now at the scene.
“The phone will now undergo forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation into Celine’s disappearance,” a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.
Cremer, a Belgian national, was last seen in the small town of Waratah on Saturday 17 June 2023, and was reported missing nine days later.
Despite extensive police-led search operations conducted in what authorities described as “treacherous terrain and challenging weather conditions,” no trace of Cremer had been found until today’s discovery.
The breakthrough came from a private search party operating in the area with police support.
“Tasmania Police remains committed to supporting this independent search effort,” the spokesperson said.
“A police search controller is working closely with the private search party to ensure safety and that any discoveries are managed appropriately.”
“Police remain in close contact with Celine’s family and we will continue to assess any new information in a bid to provide them with answers and closure.”
