A Honda car key has been found nearby to teeth and five bones in the search for a Belgian backpacker who disappeared two-and-a-half years ago.
Celine Cremer, 31, was backpacking through Tasmania and vanished while on a short hike to Philosopher Falls, near Cradle Mountain, in June 2023.
While forensic tests are not yet completed on the bones, or an earlier batch found weeks ago, Tasmanian Police Commander Nathan Johnston said on Tuesday night it had been confirmed the key belonged to Ms Cremer.
A specialist team searching a 350-metre section of the Arthur River, in the state’s northwest, discovered the items on Sunday and Monday.
‘The search undertaken over the past two days was thorough and methodical, and many of these items were located beneath debris, embedded in the riverbed itself,’ Commander Johnston said.
‘We are continuing our liaison with Celine’s family to keep them informed as we review the search efforts to date.’
Search personnel from Tasmania Police, alongside Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics, were winched into the area.
Due to poor weather conditions, the team were forced to camp overnight before finally being extracted on Monday evening.
The forensic testing of the items is underway.
Searchers located other human remains and clothing on January 30 but forensic tests could take several weeks to complete.
That search was triggered when a bushwalker found remains, including a jawbone.
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.
Cmdr Johnston confirmed a polar fleece jacket, likely Ms Cremer’s, was among the items found by officers in January.
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,’ Cmdr Johnston said.
Ms Cremer’s mother Ariane Cremer took to social media to share information with friends.
She informed them 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.
CRE: DAILYMAIL