Missing Tasmanians: Police want answers to the unidentified remains of 71 people

The remains of 71 people sit in a facility in Tasmania – some have been there for decades, and all are shrouded in mystery. Now police are renewing the call for answers, hoping to identify them.

Sergeant John Delpero from the Missing Persons Unit at Tasmania Police. Picture Eddie Safarik

In a secure facility in Tasmania lay the remains of 71 humans, names unknown.

Each of them have loved ones who are desperate for answers and closure about their mysterious disappearances.

Tasmanian Police are highlighting the 71 unknown people as part of this year’s National Missing Persons Week and are imploring anyone with information to come forward and help solve the case.

“Since 1994, 26 sets of human remains located in Tasmania have been identified and matched to long term missing people through forensic examinations,” Missing Persons Unit’s Sergeant John Delpero said.

“The identifications have brought some much needed closure and answers for the families and loved ones of missing people.

Sgt John Delpero speaks to the media.

“There are currently 71 recorded sets of human remains, the vast majority dating back decades, which were discovered in Tasmania and are currently unidentified.”

Some of the remains police are seeking answers for include a shin bone which was discovered at a Devonport beach, a calf bone discovered at a beach in Dodges Ferry and a thigh bone located at Carlton Beach.

The remains of the unidentified victims were located through either targeted searches from authorities, people walking in bushland or foreshores or excavation works.

“When human remains are located, depending on their type, they are examined by several forensic experts including anthropologists, DNA scientists, pathologists and odontologists with the aim of identifying the person they belong to. They are then reported to the Coroner,” Sergeant Delpero said.

“The National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons, launched in 2020, also plays a pivotal role in the identification of human remains.

“If a forensic match isn’t immediately made, the identification process doesn’t stop. Each time the DNA profile of a missing person’s family member is obtained, it’s cross-referenced nationally against any DNA profiles obtained from human remains and vice-versa.”

NSW Police dog handler Senior Constable Chris Hill and 5-year-old cadaver dog Wags searching for missing Belgian tourist Celine Cremer at Philosopher Falls on Tasmania's West Coast. Picture: Tasmania Police

The case of every missing person will not be closed until they have been located or identified.

Tasmania Police are urging anyone with information in relation to a missing person to come forward and provide closure to families and loved ones of the victims.

“I encourage anyone with information about a missing person to report to police through Crime Stoppers Tasmania,” Crime Stoppers Tasmania chief executive David Higgins said.

“At Crime Stoppers we don’t need your name or personal details, just the information you’re reporting for police investigation. If you report anonymously, you can still be eligible for a reward if your information leads to a conviction.”

Police minister Felix Ellis has commended police and SES for their work in helping solve missing persons cases, particularly of 14-year-old Shyanne-Lee Tatnell and Belgium tourist Celine Cremer.

“Here in Tasmania we have had two prominent missing persons in recent months. As a community our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones,” he said.

“Tasmania Police and our search and rescue parties have worked tirelessly to find them, and I commend them on this outstanding policing work during this time.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to crimestopperstas.com.au.