Celine Cremer ventured "well off the beaten track" before becoming lost while bushwalking at Waratah, police have said.
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Tasmania Police Commander Stuart Wilkinson said on Monday, July 31, that although the missing persons case will remain open, the search for the 31-year-old tourist who has been missing since June in "unsurvivable conditions" will now conclude.
"Missing persons cases remain open. We are always seeking information from the public," Commander Wilkinson said.
At the weekend police searched the area at the Philosophers Falls track with Waggs, a New South Wales Police cadaver dog that was also used in the search for the remains of Burnie teenager Shyanne-Lee Tatnell.
The search for Ms Cremer was previously suspended on July 10, but police recently received evidence about her mobile phone activity in a specific area that warranted closer investigation.
Commander Wilkinson said search crews were hampered by the difficult terrain and challenging weather lashing the region, and that sadly the latest search was unsuccessful.
He said there was evidence that Ms Cremer had left the Philosopher Falls track, which he said was well formed and well maintained.
"The terrain is extremely challenging off the track," he said.
"Like many areas of Tasmania, when you go off those formed tracks, you could walk 15 metres into that bushland and turn around and feel like you're not quite sure where you are."
He also said there were no suspicious circumstances being investigated by police.
"We haven't found Celine, therefore we can't be 100 per cent sure of what happened to her."
Police have been "in constant contact" with Ms Cremer's family and friends throughout the ordeal, and Commander Wilkinson was hopeful closure could have been provided after the search area was narrowed.
One of Ms Cremer's friends was involved in the search effort at the weekend, and police led them through the Philosopher Falls track and provided "very signficant detail" about the search effort so far.
"It is really unfortunate that we haven't found her," Commander Wilkinson said.
"It is a terrible time for them being so far away."
Anyone with information about Ms Cremer's disappearance is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Sandy Powell
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
