A renewed search effort is underway following the discovery of clothing and human remains in Tasmania, near the area where a Belgian hiker disappeared over two years ago.

Authorities estimate it could take up to three weeks to determine if the bones, jacket, and other items belong to Celine Cremer, a Belgian tourist who went missing in the state’s rugged northwest in June 2023.

The search operation, spearheaded by the police, is focused approximately 2 kilometers from Philosopher Falls near Cradle Mountain, which was the last known location visited by the 31-year-old.

On Friday, police turned their attention to a section of the Arthur River near Waratah after a bushwalker stumbled upon remains, including a jawbone, earlier in the week.

Cremer’s family reported her missing on June 26, 2023, prompting an extensive search involving police and SES ground crews, specialized swift water rescue teams, drones, and a helicopter.

It is believed Cremer embarked on a hike, leaving her car at the falls’ car park, which was discovered a day after authorities were notified about concerns for her safety.

Jacket, bra, thermal top found

Commander Nathan Johnston confirmed a polar fleece jacket, likely Ms Cremer’s, was among the items found by officers on Friday.

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,” Johnston told reporters.

Cremer’s mother Ariane Cremer took to social media, saying 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.

A bushwalker involved in a privately led renewed search for Cremer initially discovered human remains on Wednesday.

They are being treated as a separate investigation until a full gamut of forensic tests can be conducted.

The bones will be examined by a pathologist, anthropologist and odontologist and undergo DNA analysis.

The same search group discovered Cremer’s phone in December.

“We recognise how significant these developments are for Celine’s family, and we are ensuring they receive updates as sensitively and promptly as possible,” Johnston said.

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