A human bone found at a popular Far North Queensland tourist destination could end the mystery of a woman who was swept away by fast waters in January.
The human remains were found by a member of the public at Mossman Gorge, about 20km north of Port Douglas, last week.
Eight months earlier, a 54-year-old Victorian woman disappeared after she was last seen struggling in the water at Mossman Gorge.
A 10 day search of the area failed to find her.
Officer-in-charge of Mossman Police Station Matthew Smith told the Cairns Post the bone was found downstream from the popular swimming spot where the woman was last seen.
“It’s a reasonable assumption that it may be related to the missing person, but we have to wait on DNA testing to establish that,” Mr Smith said.
“I think in general, people aren’t supposed to swim in the gorge. Signs indicate they discourage people from swimming, especially depending on the weather conditions, but police will be around.
“Hopefully it provides closure to the family of the missing person. We’re all hopeful that it’s her.”
Queensland Police say forensic officers are still testing the bone.
“Divers will return to the site [on Tuesday] for further examination of the area,” a police spokesperson said.
“Forensic procedures and investigations are ongoing to establish the origin of the remains.
“Mossman Gorge will remain open to the public.”
Mossman Gorge is considered the gateway to the Daintree National Park, and is about 78km northwest of Cairns, and 1757km north-northwest of Brisbane.