Celine Cremer Search: Mobile Phone Found Amid Ongoing Investigations

HOBART (Azat TV) – A privately organized search for Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, missing since June 2023 in remote Tasmanian wilderness, has yielded a significant breakthrough with the discovery of her mobile phone in mid-December 2025. This development, largely spurred by the online reach of Tasmanian filmmaker Rob Parsons, reignited international attention on the case, which has seen ongoing efforts to locate Cremer, including the earlier discovery of human remains in the area in January 2025 that authorities had believed could be linked to her. Forensic investigations are now underway on the recovered phone and other items, as the wider search for Cremer’s fate continues in the rugged Philosopher Falls area.

A Filmmaker’s Impact on a Renewed Search

Celine Cremer, 31, disappeared in June 2023 during a bushwalk at Philosopher Falls, near Waratah in Tasmania’s north-west. Police at the time described the wintry conditions as ‘not survivable,’ and despite extensive initial efforts, no trace of her was found. Over the next two-and-a-half years, her loved ones initiated a private search, which gained unprecedented momentum thanks to the distinctive online presence of Rob Parsons.

Parsons, who lives two hours from the disappearance site, is a self-described filmmaker known for his wilderness exploration videos. He shifted his focus to Cremer’s case, documenting his own search efforts and the broader private operation. His videos, published on YouTube, amassed hundreds of thousands of views, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from across Australia to volunteer their time and expertise for a concerted five-day search in mid-December 2025. This volunteer army, directly influenced by Parsons’ online content, proved instrumental in the discovery of Cremer’s mobile phone.

The Disappearance and Earlier Discoveries

Cremer’s disappearance in 2023 prompted a weeks-long emergency services search, which included cadaver dogs, but yielded no definitive clues. However, the case saw another significant development in January 2025 when a bushwalker located what were believed to be human remains near Philosopher Falls. Tasmania Police Inspector Andrew Hanson confirmed at the time that a pathologist had reviewed images and confirmed the remains were human, although forensic testing was pending to establish a definitive link to Cremer. The ongoing nature of the search for Cremer following this discovery suggested that a conclusive identification had not been made, keeping the investigation active.

The mid-December 2025 search, amplified by Parsons’ outreach, brought a renewed focus to the area. While the stated goal of finding Cremer’s remains was not achieved in that specific operation, the discovery of her mobile phone was considered a major breakthrough, providing new avenues for forensic investigation.

Collaboration and Digital Mobilization

Parsons’ involvement deepened in 2024 when he connected with private investigator Ken Gamble, known for his work on other missing tourist cases, including that of Theo Hayez. Gamble, who had been granted access to Cremer’s online accounts by her family, provided Parsons with crucial GPS data from Cremer’s phone. This data formed the core of Parsons’ first video on the disappearance, which quickly garnered over 900,000 views on YouTube, illuminating the digital trail Cremer had left.

Gamble acknowledged the ‘strikingly similar’ nature of Cremer’s and Hayez’s cases, both involving vital GPS coordinates. He initially expressed surprise at Parsons making the phone data public but ultimately recognized its benefit in clarifying Cremer’s potential location. Cremer’s family actively supported Parsons’ efforts, sharing his posts and videos across social media, which further amplified the call for volunteers.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigations

The awareness generated by Parsons’ channel led to a substantial volunteer turnout for the December 2025 search. Volunteers, some traveling thousands of kilometers, explicitly cited Parsons’ YouTube videos as their motivation. To ensure safety and efficiency, Gamble divided the search party, with Parsons joining a group alongside Cremer’s friends and his father. Gamble led a second, larger group of experienced wilderness searchers, one of whom, Tony Hage, ultimately found the phone.

Despite the widespread support, Parsons has faced some skepticism regarding his motivations. He dismisses such criticism, stating he feels ‘sorry for people who think that way,’ and emphasizing his identity as a filmmaker rather than a social media influencer. Gamble, whose business took on Cremer’s case pro-bono, also addressed cynicism about private investigators, asserting that the search’s successes might change perceptions.

Weeks after the phone’s discovery, Tasmania Police are conducting forensic tests on the device, as well as on a garbage bag and water bottle found during the search. Parsons has continued to publish videos detailing the findings, accumulating over half a million views. The WhatsApp group for search volunteers remains active, and Cremer’s mother, Ariane, publicly thanked Rob Parsons for his dedication. Parsons has affirmed that ‘the search hasn’t gone quiet,’ indicating continued efforts to push deeper into the wilderness.

The confluence of citizen journalism and organized private investigation has demonstrably transformed the search for Celine Cremer, illustrating the powerful potential of digital platforms to mobilize public engagement and contribute tangible breakthroughs in complex missing persons cases that might otherwise fade from public consciousness.