Ocean search for detective believed missing in surf
By Luke Costin
A large-scale search has resumed for a veteran Queensland police officer whose belongings were found at a beach on the northern NSW coast.
Detective Inspector Jay Notaro’s car and surfboard were found at Broken Head Bay, seven kilometres south of Byron Bay, on Tuesday after the 45-year-old failed to show up for work.
A water search began in the early afternoon and continued into the evening without success.
Queensland policeman Jay Notaro.Credit: Nine News
NSW Police on land and water, a Queensland Police helicopter and surf lifesavers restarted the search about 7am on Wednesday.
They are focused on the areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, particularly the Broken Head area, NSW Police said.
Queensland Police said they and the officer’s family were worried about his welfare as his disappearance was considered out of character.
The search restarted this morning.Credit: Nine News
“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 Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy said in a statement.
“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.”
Notaro started with Queensland police in Townsville in 2003, rising through the ranks to oversee a number of homicide investigations in the Gold Coast from 2015 onwards.
In 2024, the Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group presented its annual compassion in policing award to the detective inspector for going beyond his duty for a victim’s relative.
Notaro also played a major role in the local water police command, and Volunteer Marine Rescue noted he had a keen interest in surfing.
AAP