Two years later the missing tourist’s phone is found after friends fly in to restart search
The search for a Belgian tourist who vanished in Tasmania more than two years ago has taken a significant turn after her mobile phone was discovered during a renewed effort led by her closest friends.
The discovery was made on the very first day of the private search for Celine Cremer, 31, who was last seen near Philosopher Falls close to Cradle Mountain in Tasmania’s northwest on June 17, 2023. Four of her friends flew from Belgium to restart the search, teaming up with local volunteers in the rugged area where she was last spotted.
During that search on Saturday, the group found a Samsung mobile phone that police have since confirmed belongs to Cremer. Authorities say the device is now undergoing forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation into her disappearance.
Cremer was reported missing by her family on June 26, 2023, nine days after she was last seen. Police believe she set out on a walk, and her white Honda CRV was found parked at the falls’ car park a day after the missing persons report was filed. Investigators said at the time the vehicle appeared to have been there for at least a week.
Despite extensive search efforts back then, crews were forced to deal with treacherous terrain and harsh weather conditions. No trace of Cremer was found, and the official search was suspended on July 10, 2023, after experts determined she could not have survived the conditions.
Police later deployed a cadaver dog to search an additional “area of interest” at Philosopher Falls after new information emerged about phone activity. That effort also failed to produce results.
This latest private search has now reopened the case in a very real way. Tasmania Police say they are supporting the renewed effort.
“A police search controller is working closely with the private search party to ensure safety and that any discoveries are managed appropriately,” police said in a statement.
“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.”