Police will search waterways as they continue looking for the Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, who has been missing for two weeks in remote Tasmanian wilderness.
Officers say they will examine the Philosopher Falls area more closely on Tuesday before scaling back the search.
“Tomorrow we will utilise more resources to conduct swift water searching in the area,” Insp Anthea Maingay said on Monday.
“Specially trained police search and rescue personnel will be searching in the waterways utilising a range of methods and equipment. We’re doing this in a bid to find some answers for Celine’s family before we begin to scale back the search.”
Last week police received expert medical advice indicating Cremer could not have survived the freezing weather conditions.
The 31-year-old was reported missing a week ago after she was last seen on 17 June in the nearby town of Waratah. Her SUV was found at the falls walking track car park on Tuesday.
Police say the last signal from Cremer’s phone was on 20 June in the Philosopher Falls area.
The owner of the Bischoff Hotel in Waratah said the backpacker had been seen at the nearby roadhouse before she disappeared.
“The only contact she made with the town was when she passed through the roadhouse – she stopped there,” Andrew, who gave his first name only, told Guardian Australia.
Community members had offered to help with the search and everyone was hoping for good news. “It’s devastating, it’s terrible, we hope she is found,” Andrew said.
A hiker who was at the falls walking track about 2.30pm on 18 June contacted police at the weekend after authorities asked for a call.
“The hiker is not in any trouble but is helping assist police in establishing Ms Cremer’s movements prior to her going missing,” police said on Saturday.
The search has previously involved police and State Emergency Service resources including ground crews, drones and helicopters, specialist search and rescue rappelling and all-terrain vehicles.
“Our thoughts continue to be with Celine’s family and loved ones at this difficult time,” Maingay said on Monday.
The Philosopher Falls track remains closed to the public.
