Friends continue dogged search for missing cop Jay Notaro near Byron Bay

The official hunt may have been called off after a massive sea, air and land search but loved ones of the Qld cop who went missing near Byron Bay last week have continued this morning.

Queensland cop Jay Notaro went missing near Byron Bay.

Friends of missing Queensland cop Jay Notaro are continuing the grim search for him in the ocean near Byron Bay after the official hunt was called off.

Inspector Notaro vanished last Tuesday, the day after his 45th birthday, after apparently going surfing at Broken Head, just south of Byron.

His surfboard was found on the beach, with his car parked nearby.

The alarm was raised after the highly-respected officer failed to report for duty at Ipswich police station.

A massive air, sea and land search involving both NSW and Queensland police as well as surf lifesavers, SES personnel and volunteers was called on Friday amid deteriorating conditions.

But friends of Insp Notaro including police comrades continued to doggedly search over the weekend and were still at it on Monday.

“We’re still going, we’re not giving up yet,” one mate said.

Police divers searching waters near Byron Bay in bid to find missing cop Jay Notaro. Picture: Natalie Grono

Gold Coast police superintendent Peter Miles said the Polair helicopter would also be making sweeps of the search area between Lennox Head and Cape Byron.

It’s understood drones are also being used.

“The conditions today are much friendlier, it wound have been perfect to have these conditions last week,” he told ABC Gold Coast on Monday morning.

“But it is what it is and it’s just a sad, sad situation.”

Supt Miles said Insp Notaro’s disappearance had hit colleagues hard on the Gold Coast where he had served in roles including officer in charge of the water police and Coomera station before winning a promotion and transferring to Ipswich.

“Jay was pretty well-liked down here, he was a go-getter,” he said.

“He was just a good fella who did plenty of good work. It’s (his disappearance) going to cause a massive ripple effect, and I just can’t imagine what the family’s going through.

“I just can’t imagine (what it’s like) not knowing where he is. That closure isn’t there.”

Supt Miles it was expected a report on the disappearance would be prepared for the Coroner.

Originally published as Friends continue dogged search for missing cop Jay Notaro near Byron Bay