Bodies believed to be two missing interstate tourists found in northeast Tasmania

The search for two interstate tourists in Tasmania has ended tragically with bodies, believed to be that of the missing couple, found near a crashed vehicle. The latest from police.

Leannedra Kang, 24, and Takahiro Toya, 26, have been missing since Tuesday, with family concerned for their wellbeing. Picture: supplied.

UPDATE: Police say two bodies, believed to be those of missing interstate tourists, have been found in northeast Tasmania.

Inspector Luke Manhood said they were found near a crashed vehicle and are believed to be Leannedra Kang, 24, and Takahiro Toya, 26, who were visiting from Brisbane.

He said police located a car in water off Tebrakunna Road at Anson’s Bay about 5.30pm on Friday, with the deceased pair found nearby a short time later.

Tebrakunna Road is described as a mostly unsealed route running through mountainous country.

The rental car Toyota Corolla driven by the Leannedra Kang and her partner Takahiro Toya. Picture: Tasmania Police.

“At this early stage it appears they were travelling over a bridge when the vehicle has left the roadway and ended up in the water,” Inspector Manhood said.

“This is a tragic outcome, and our thoughts are with their families and loved ones.

“Our initial investigations suggest there are no suspicious circumstances, but further forensic examinations will now take place as is the usual process, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

“We would like to thank community members for their efforts in providing information to assist in the search.”

Leannedra Kang, 24, and Takahiro Toya, 26, were missing since Tuesday, with family concerned for their wellbeing. Picture: supplied

Leannedra’s sister Cassandra said on Friday that the pair missed their missed their flight home to Brisbane from Launceston Airport on Wednesday night and have not been heard from since Tuesday afternoon.

“We have genuine concerns for their safety,” Ms Kang said.

“My sister has been really active on social media during the tip and is normally quite active so it is really out of character for her to not be in contact or not have posted anything online.

“Her boyfriend was also due back to work on Thursday and has missed it.”

Ms Kang said Leannedra and Takahiro were last seen in the St Helens and Scamander area, close to the township of Goshen.

EARLIER: The family of two interstate tourist who failed to return home earlier in the week have expressed concerns for their safety, now turning to social media and the police for help.

Leannedra Kang, 24, and her partner Takahiro Toya, 26, from Brisbane had been travelling around Tasmania since May 31 with a hire car.

However, Leannedra’s sister Cassandra said the pair missed their night-time flight home to Brisbane from Launceston Airport on Wednesday, June 5 and have not been heard from since Tuesday afternoon.

Takahiro Toya, 26, and Leannedra Kang, 24, have been missing since Tuesday, with family concerned for their wellbeing. Picture: supplied.

“We have genuine concerns for their safety,” Ms Kang said.

“My sister has been really active on social media during the tip and is normally quite active so it is really out of character for her to not be in contact or not have posted anything online.

“Her boyfriend was also due back to work on Thursday and has missed it.”

Ms Kang said Leannedra and Takahiro were last seen in the St Helens and Scamander area, close to the township of Goshen.

Goshen in northeast Tasmania. Picture: Google Maps

The pair were due to drop off their hire car, a white Toyota Corolla with registration L67GW, at Launceston Airport when they arrived for their flight.

This has also not been sighted.

Tasmania Police on Friday confirmed they had received a report about the matter on Thursday and were making a “number of inquiries in relation to their current location”.

They also stated they had not returned their rental car and did not board their Wednesday flight.

However, police state they believe their last confirmed movements of the couple were when they departed accommodation in North Hobart on June 3.

“From there, they had planned to travel to Richmond, Ross, Bicheno, Bay of Fires, and Mole Creek,” the police stated.

Police also made a note directed to Leannedra and Takahiro that they weren’t in any trouble.

“Leannedra and Takahiro if you see this, you’re not in any trouble, please phone police or family to let them know you’re OK,” a police media release said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 420-05062025.

Originally published as Bodies believed to be two missing interstate tourists found in northeast Tasmania