Search for prominent Qld cop Jay Notaro, believed missing in surf at Broken Head near Byron Bay

A massive air, sea and ground search continues for respected Queensland police inspector Jay Notaro who vanished after going for a surf near Byron Bay.

The search for missing Queensland cop Jay Notaro will continue on Friday if he is not found today, as the mystery over his disappearance near Byron Bay deepens.

A massive air, sea and land search was launched for Inspector Notaro, 45, after his surfboard was found on Broken Head beach, south of Byron, on Tuesday morning and his car was located in the nearby carpark.

A $250,000 sonar and drones are also being used in the search, in which police divers are also involved.

It’s understood the respected Ipswich officer failed to show for a birthday dinner on Monday night and arrived at Broken Head in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The alarm was raised after he failed to report for duty at Ipswich police station on Tuesday.

The search resumed on Thursday morning, with police and lifesavers on jet skis and in boats continuing to scour the water and police helicopters combing the area from the air.

Senior Queensland police have arrived at Broken Head for a briefing on the search from NSW colleagues.

Family members resume the search for detective inspector Jay Notaro from a surf spot near Byron Bay.

Speaking at Broken Head on Thursday afternoon, Tweed-Byron police Inspector Matt Woods said the search would continue on Friday if Insp Notaro was not found.

“If we don’t find Mr Notaro today, we will be back here tomorrow morning at 7am,” he said.

“Obviously we’ve got grave concerns, realistically - it’s now Thursday (and) we’re about 72 hours in our search operation.

“We are obviously hoping for the best outcome but planning for all outcomes.”

Det Insp Woods said search conditions had “deteriorated considerably”.

“The rain’s set in now and we’ve got wind, so it’s making it trying,” he said.

“But what I do take solace from is the fact that no-one’s given up. It’s poor conditions but we’ve still got people in the water now, making every attempt that we possibly can to find Mr Notaro safe and well.”

Speaking on Wednesday, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer, of Tweed-Byron police, said Insp Notaro’s surfboard was found undamaged and with its leg rope “fully intact” by a beachgoer about 7.30am on Tuesday.

Insp Notaro was a “very strong swimmer” and “a very experienced surfer” who was also “extremely fit”, Det Insp Zimmer said.

“The (surf) conditions that presented over the past few days were quite calm so he would be extremely capable of managing those conditions due to his experience,” he said.

“At this stage, it’s a search operation. The information that we have is that he’s come to the beach, his surfboard was located on the beach and we believe that he may be missing in the water.”

Police also searched inland on Wednesday, with officers on dirt bikes and helicopters scouring thick rainforest and bush around Broken Head where Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth and his family live in a luxury mansion.

Family members of senior Queensland police officer Jay Notaro speak to searchers.

Police were also piecing together gaps in Insp Notaro’s movements in the lead-up to his disappearance.

Devastated members of Insp Notaro’s family, including his former police officer uncle Phil Notaro, are in Broken Head for the search.

Some have hugged on the beach as police and surf lifesavers on jet skis and in boats scour the wind-swept ocean.

Det Insp Zimmer said Insp Notaro was a “very highly regarded and very well respected” Queensland police officer and “our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of him today during a very difficult time”.

Award-winning officer Jay Notaro. Picture: Kyle Wisniewski

He said Insp Notaro’s family wanted to pass on their gratitude to emergency service personnel and volunteers involved in the search.

Queensland’s Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy said the service was offering support to Insp Notaro’s family and to the investigation.

“The Queensland Police Service is extremely concerned for the welfare of our member, who is a highly valued colleague and friend to many in the Service,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.

“Our thoughts are with the officer’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time and every support is being made available.

“I am grateful for the efforts of New South Wales Police and our own teams involved with the ongoing search.”

Twin brothers Matt (left) and Chris Caserta. Picture: Supplied

The twin brother of the late top jockey Chris Caserta, who drowned off Surfers Paradise beach in 2021, offered his prayers for Insp Notaro who as officer in charge of the Gold Coast water police led the search for Caserta.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Inspector Jay and his family,” Matty Caserta wrote on social media.

“Inspector Jay Notaro, of the Water Police QLD, was at the time the leading Chief Officer in the search and recovery of Chris when he went missing in the sea three years ago on the Gold Coast.

“He went above and beyond to make sure we were informed at all times throughout those dark and horrible days and he showed us the utmost care and compassion.

“Such devastating news that brings back a wave of emotions and sadness in particular.

“I hope he is found as soon as possible.”

Originally published as Search for prominent Qld cop Jay Notaro, believed missing in surf at Broken Head near Byron Bay