Human Remains Discovered in Search for Long‑Missing Tasmanian Man

Search volunteers from the non‑profit group Find Our Lost Loved Ones reported the discovery of human remains during a coordinated search for Michael Vrankovic, a 58‑year‑old man who vanished on 13 January in the George Town area of northern Tasmania.

The remains were found close to the location where Vrankovic was last seen, according to a statement released by Tasmania Police. Inspector Melanie Groves said the volunteer who made the find immediately notified authorities, and police have secured the site for forensic examination.

Tasmania Police confirmed that the remains are believed to be those of an adult human, but they have not yet been positively identified. Forensic testing is scheduled to determine whether the remains belong to Vrankovic, whose family has already been informed of the discovery.

Find Our Lost Loved Ones, which operates a Facebook page to coordinate volunteer searches, posted a message expressing sympathy for Vrankovic’s family. The organisation has previously assisted in locating the remains of Belgian tourist Celine Cremer and Peter Willoughby in the Tasmanian wilderness earlier this year.

The case remains open pending the outcome of forensic analysis. Police have not released further details about the circumstances of Vrankovic’s disappearance or the condition of the remains.