Police have announced they are suspending the search for Celine Cremer in the Tasmanian wilderness, saying due to the treacherous conditions and remote location, the missing Belgian backpacker could not have survived.
Cremer was believed to have left her car and gone on a day walk at Philosopher Falls on the islands’s north-west around June 20, the last time her phone had signal. Her SUV was found unattended on 27 June, and she was last seen on 17 June in the nearby town of Waratah.
Commander Stuart Wilkinson said a major search had been underway around Philosophers Falls area since the vehicle was found, which included police and SES ground crews, specialist swift water rescue personnel, ATVs, drones and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“Considerable search efforts have been undertaken in difficult terrain and treacherous weather conditions but unfortunately Celine has not been located,” he said.
“Expert medical advice has been received that given consideration to poor weather conditions and cool temperatures, Celine could not have survived the conditions she has been exposed to since she was reported missing.”
Wilkinson said police had been in constant contact with Cremer’s family, saying they are “understandably devastated.”
“As we suspend the formal search, I extend our thoughts to Celine’s family and loved ones at this difficult time”.
A missing person investigation remains active. Wilkinson said any further relevant information will be “thoroughly followed up,” and that police still “hope to bring closure to her family and loved ones.”
Cremer was booked to take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry back to the Australian mainland on 21 June, but never arrived at the terminal.
Police had earlier said it would have been difficult for her survive considering the freezing temperatures, rain, snow and wind in the region in the days after she went missing.
Cremer was also understood to have only packed for a short walk, and likely didn’t have the supplies to endure the conditions for an extended period of time.
