‘High spirits’: Major discovery made in search for missing Belgian tourist

The phone belonging to a Belgian tourist has been located two and a half years after her disappearance.

Celine Cremer, a tourist visiting Australia from Belgium, was last seen on a walking trail near Philosopher Falls outside Waratah in Tasmania’s northwest on June 17 2023.

It’s understood she was equipped for a light walk when she vanished.

She has not been seen since.

Two-and-a-half years on, Tasmania Police confirmed the discovery of a mobile phone believed to belong to the missing woman.

A private search party, featuring four of Ms Cremer’s friends from Belgium, a private investigator and Tasmania Police, are conducting a renewed search of the trail.

“A police search controller is working closely with the private search party to ensure safety and that any discoveries are managed appropriately,” a police statement read.

Speaking to the ABC, volunteer Tony said the group felt a sense of relief when they saw her distinctive mauve-coloured Samsung in the bushes.

“You could see they were delighted something was positively found,” he told the broadcaster.

“Everyone has high spirits now.”

The mobile phone will undergo a forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

A white Honda CRV belonging to Ms Cremer was found at the track of Philosopher Falls about a week after her disappearance.

Police remain in close contact with Ms Cremer’s family in Belgium as the renewed search continues.