In an embarrassing admission that has intensified scrutiny of the official search efforts, Tasmanian Police have issued a public apology after a private team of Belgian volunteers discovered a vital clue in the baffling disappearance of 31-year-old backpacker Celine Cremer. The breakthrough—a Samsung phone belonging to Cremer, found buried in mud near Philosopher Falls on December 13, 2025—came more than two years after she vanished in the remote Tarkine rainforest, sparking outrage over why authorities missed it during extensive 2021 operations. “We sincerely apologise to Celine’s family for the delay in locating this item,” Tasmania Police Acting Sergeant Sarah McHenry said in a statement, acknowledging the “frustration and pain” caused. The discovery has reignited hope—and criticism—in a case that has haunted Australia since April 2021.

Cremer, a philosophy graduate from Brussels on a working holiday visa, was last seen hiking alone in the takayna/Tarkine region on April 12, 2021. Her final text to her mother Marieke at 4 p.m.—”Lost in the wild—pure magic”—was followed by silence. A massive search involving helicopters, drones, and 100 volunteers scoured 50,000 hectares but found nothing, leading police to scale back after two weeks, classifying it as “unexplained but not suspicious” due to the area’s hazards: dense forests, sudden fogs, and treacherous terrain.

The phone’s recovery by four of Cremer’s Belgian friends—who flew in for a five-day private search starting December 8—has been hailed as a miracle. Found partially buried near the falls’ base, the device was protected by a waterproof case. “I just melted,” said friend Sophie van der Velde. Forensics are extracting data—photos, messages, GPS—that could pinpoint Cremer’s final movements. “This changes everything,” McHenry said.

The apology stems from the clue’s proximity to areas searched in 2021. “We covered that ground—how did we miss it?” a source told The Mercury. Marieke Cremer, who has campaigned tirelessly, welcomed the find but echoed frustration: “Two years of pain—now hope flickers.” Brother Louis added: “Celine’s guiding us.”

As Christmas nears, Tasmania prays for closure. The phone may unlock the rainforest’s secret—bringing Celine home.