A Belgian backpacker whose last Facebook post was of herself hiking in Tasmania is unlikely to have survived the bushland she went missing in, Tasmania Police have sadly reported.
Céline Cremer, 31, had been living in Australia for the past year before she went missing on June 16. It’s been two weeks since she vanished, and she was last seen in Hobart before she left to explore Tasmania’s bushland and natural wonders.
With still “no sign” of Cremer, police have been told the chances of finding her alive are “very slim”.
“Weather conditions have been challenging over the past few days, with freezing temperatures, snow and rain occurring,” Inspector Athea Maingay said, per news.com.au.
“Unfortunately, we have received expert medical advice that indicates the recent conditions are not survivable for the length of time that Céline is thought to have been exposed in the wilderness.
“There is nothing to indicate anyone else was involved at this point.”
Police discovered Cremer’s car on Tuesday, parked at Philosopher Falls, which is in a remote area near Waratah — around 130 km west of Launceston.
It is believed the car has been parked there since “at least” June 20 — a week before it was found, and the last time police were able to track Cremer’s mobile phone signal.
At this point, it’s theorised Cremer became lost while exploring. Police described her as an “inexperienced hiker” who was only equipped for “a light walk”.
Despite the distressing update, police have ensured the public that the search for Cremer remains a “search and rescue” operation, and that officers are still hoping for a positive outcome.
Cremer last spoke to her sister Amélie on June 15, when she told her about plans to go on a road trip around Tasmania. She said she was going to catch the ferry back to Melbourne on June 21, but failed to board when the day came — prompting her family to beg the public for help in finding her.
“The most difficult thing is the waiting,” Amélie told 9News earlier this week.
“We are helpless here and we just want to know.
“Just open your eyes and if you have time, please for our family, go and search with the police,” she implored the public.
“I keep hope to find her, no matter the issue, I just want to know where she is.”
Anyone who has been in Philosopher Fall’s car park since June 12, or been in the general area since June 17, is urged to contact police — especially if they spotted Cremer’s car, a white Honda CRV with a registration of E40TF.
Police have urged anyone who has seen Céline Cremer or has information on her whereabouts to call them on 131 444.
