‘Tragic outcome': Devastating discovery in Tasmania after Brisbane couple vanish on holiday
Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya had been holidaying in the St Helens and Scamander area and were last seen on June 3 after leaving accommodation in North Hobart.
They had planned to visit Richmond, Ross, Bicheno, Bay of Fires, and Mole Creek before flying home to Brisbane the next day.
But the pair never boarded their flight on June 4 or returned their rental car.
Tasmania Police confirmed the grim discovery in a statement on Friday evening.
'Sadly, police can confirm two bodies, believed to be that of missing tourists Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya, have been located near a crashed vehicle in northeast Tasmania,' police said.
Authorities located the car submerged in water off Tebrakunna Rd about 5.30pm.
The deceased pair were found nearby shortly after.
'At this early stage it appears they were travelling over a bridge when the vehicle has left the roadway and ended up in the water,' the statement said.
'This is a tragic outcome, and our thoughts are with their families and loved ones.'
Police said initial investigations suggest there are no suspicious circumstances.
'Further forensic examinations will now take place as is the usual process, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
'We would like to thank community members for their efforts in providing information to assist in the search.
Earlier in the week, Ms Kang's sister Alexandra had posted a plea for information on Facebook, saying the couple's last known phone location was in Goshen, a remote part of the state's northeast.
She wrote that the location was out of the way for her itinerary.
'Please let me know if anyone has been in contact with her or seen her,' she wrote.
'My family is beyond worried.'
Tasmania Police had also issued a public appeal during the search.
'Leannedra and Takahiro if you see this, you're not in any trouble, please phone police or family to let them know you're OK,' the statement read.
The pair had been sightseeing across Tasmania in the days before they vanished.
Their disappearance sparked widespread concern both online and in the local community.
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