Tasmanian Police suspend search for missing Belgian Celine Cremer

Police have suspended the search for a missing Belgian tourist who was last seen more than three weeks ago.

The extensive search for a missing Belgian tourist has been suspended after police believe the 31-year-old “could not have survived the conditions” of the bushland where she was last seen.

Tasmanian Police formally suspended the significant search effort in the Waratah area in northwestern Tasmania for missing Celine Cremer on Monday after nearly two weeks trying to find her.

Ms Cremer was reported missing on June 26 after concerned family and friends raised the alarm with police.

Belgian tourist Celine Cremer was last seen on June 17 in Waratah, Tasmania.

She was last seen in the small town of Waratah, about 250km west of Launceston, on June 17.

Commander Stuart Wilkinson said enormous efforts had gone into the search in the Philosophers Falls area since June 27 when Ms Cremer’s white Honda CRV was found unattended in the carpark.

“Considerable search efforts have been undertaken in difficult terrain and treacherous weather conditions, but unfortunately Celine has not been located,” Commander Wilkinson 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.”

Police and SES ground crews, specialist swift water rescue personnel, ATVs, drones and the Westpac rescue helicopter were called to assist the search but were unable to find the missing woman.

Police have suspended the massive search of Philosopher Falls, near Waratah, for missing Belgian tourist Celine Cremer. Picture: Tasmania Police

Commander Wilkinson said Ms Cremer’s family had been kept up to date about search efforts and were “devastated” their loved one couldn’t be found.

“It’s obviously a distressing situation, and they’re understandably devastated,” he said.

“As we suspend the formal search, I extend our thoughts to Celine’s family and loved ones at this difficult time”.

Commander Wilkinson said the missing person investigation for Ms Cremer remained active.

“I’d like to acknowledge everyone involved in this extensive search, with particular thanks to our SES volunteers who helped us cover a wide expanse of tough terrain – on the ground on foot and on ATVs,” he said.

SES crews and police spent nearly two weeks searching for Ms Cremer. Picture: Tasmania Police.

“Any further information relevant to Celine will be thoroughly followed up and we still hope to bring closure to her family and loved ones.”

Throughout the search, police had advised that weather conditions had limited the chances of finding Ms Cremer alive.

Investigators received calls from members of the public who accessed the walking track between June 17 and 26 that assisted in their search efforts.

Police believe that the Belgian woman was only equipped for a light walk and became lost.

Ms Cremer had been travelling around Tasmania when she went missing. Picture: Supplied

The young traveller had spent some months in Australia and posted on social media about her travels.

“Australia is indeed so beautiful! And so big,” she wrote to a friend on a Facebook post.