Quick Read
- Belgian tourist Celine Cremer disappeared near Philosopher Falls, Tasmania, in June 2023.
- Her mobile phone was found by a volunteer in a renewed search, two and a half years after her disappearance.
- Four friends from Belgium joined the search, which is led by private investigator Ken Gamble.
- The phone was discovered 60 metres from Cremer’s last known coordinates and will undergo forensic examination.
- Tasmania Police are working closely with the private search team following the discovery.
Belgian Tourist’s Disappearance: A Mystery Revisited
Nearly two and a half years have passed since Celine Cremer, a 31-year-old Belgian tourist, vanished without a trace in Tasmania’s rugged north-west. Her last known location was a walking trail near Philosopher Falls, just outside Waratah—a place both beautiful and unforgiving. In June 2023, her disappearance sparked a large-scale search, but despite coordinated efforts, only her white Honda CRV was found at the trailhead, leaving her fate shrouded in mystery.
Renewed Search, Renewed Hope
This December, the story took a poignant turn. Four of Celine’s friends, determined not to let her memory fade, traveled from Belgium to Tasmania. Alongside a team led by private investigator Ken Gamble, they launched a fresh five-day search through the dense wilderness. Their determination was palpable: after all this time, could they find something—anything—that would answer the questions haunting her family and friends?
A Mauve-Coloured Clue: The Phone Discovery
On Saturday, volunteer Tony Hage was moving at the rear of the search line when he spotted something unusual—a mauve-coloured Samsung phone, partially hidden among leaves and debris. The moment was overwhelming. “I just melted,” Hage recounted. “I couldn’t talk. I just could not talk.” His urgency drew the attention of another searcher, and together, they quickly verified the phone’s serial number. It matched Celine Cremer’s. Her friends, recognizing the unique colour, felt a surge of hope and relief. “You could see they were delighted something was positively found,” Hage said, reflecting the emotional intensity at the scene.
For the search party, this was more than a piece of lost property. It was the first tangible link to Celine in years, found just 60 metres from her last recorded coordinates. News traveled quickly back to Belgium—her mother was informed almost immediately. Spirits lifted, the group took a long pause to process the significance before pressing on, heading south-east in hopes that the phone might lead them to more answers.
Police Response and Next Steps
Tasmania Police were notified right away. Officers attended the scene and took custody of the phone, which will now undergo forensic examination—a process that could reveal clues about Celine’s final movements, or perhaps communication logs that might shed light on her last hours. Police emphasized that a search controller is working closely with the private team to ensure any new discoveries are managed appropriately and respectfully.
The renewed search, prompted by Celine’s friends’ unwavering dedication, is set to last five days. The discovery of her phone has not only reignited hope but also injected fresh momentum into the investigation, drawing attention both locally and internationally.
Unanswered Questions and Community Impact
The Philosopher Falls region, with its thick forests and unpredictable weather, has always posed challenges for searchers. Local residents recall the initial search in 2023, when helicopters, trackers, and volunteers scoured the area. Yet, the forest kept its secrets. The discovery of Celine’s phone, so close to where she was last tracked, raises new questions: Was she trying to call for help? Did she drop the phone in distress, or was it lost during a fall?
For Celine’s family and friends, these questions linger painfully. Her mother, kept informed from Belgium, expressed cautious hope. The local Tasmanian community, too, has been touched by the story—volunteers continue to join searches, motivated by empathy and solidarity with a family far from home.
Private investigator Ken Gamble, who has taken a personal interest in the case, noted that every clue is vital. For the team, the phone is not just a device—it’s a symbol of connection, a possible key to understanding what happened in those final moments.
A Search Defined by Resilience
The effort to find Celine Cremer has spanned continents and years, illustrating the power of hope and human connection. Her friends’ journey from Belgium to Tasmania, their collaboration with local volunteers and investigators, and the emotional reactions to each new discovery, underscore a simple truth: when someone disappears, their absence is felt deeply, and the search for answers can become a defining mission.
The next steps remain uncertain. Forensic analysis of the phone may provide crucial data, or it may raise more questions than it answers. Either way, the story of Celine Cremer’s disappearance—and her friends’ search for her—continues to resonate.
The discovery of Celine Cremer’s mobile phone is a significant development in a case that has captivated hearts across two continents. While it does not yet provide closure, it renews hope and sharpens focus on the enduring mystery of her disappearance. The resilience of those searching, and the coordination between private and official efforts, highlight how even a single clue can transform an investigation—and remind us of the powerful bonds that drive people to seek answers, no matter how long it takes.