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.

A massive air, sea and ground search for respected Queensland police inspector Jay Notaro who vanished after apparently going for a surf near Byron Bay is set to continue into the afternoon.

Addressing media at Broken Head on Wednesday, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer, of Tweed-Byron police, said the alarm was raised when Insp Notaro failed to report for duty at Ipswich police station on Tuesday “which was extremely out of character”.

His car was found parked at Broken Head and his surfboard located undamaged on the beach about 500m north by a passer-by about 7.30am on Tuesday.

“There was no damage and the leg rope was fully intact,” Det Insp Zimmer said.

He said a large-scale air, sea and land search was called off about 7.30pm on Tuesday before resuming at first light on Wednesday, focusing on the area between Lennox Head and Cape Byron as well as inland.

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

A full-scale search has resumed for detective inspector Jay Notaro from a surf spot near Byron Bay.

“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.”

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”.

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

Det Insp Zimmer said the search would continue throughout Wednesday and was “highly likely” to keep going into Thursday.

Queensland’s top cop, Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy, also offered his thoughts to Insp Notaro’s family and friends.

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

Chris Caserta, 26, disappeared during a late night swim at Surfers Paradise beach in December 2021.

His brother Matty took to social media on Wednesday to offer his thoughts for Insp Notaro and his family.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Inspector Jay and his family,” he wrote.

“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.”

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

Insp Notaro served as a homicide squad detective and was in charge of the Gold Coast water police and Coomera police station before he was recently promoted and transferred to Ipswich.

Insp Notaro helped solve cases including the bikie murder of Gold Coast man Greg Dufty before serving in roles including officer in charge of the Gold Coast water police and Coomera police station.

Insp Notaro was awarded a “compassion in policing” award by the Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group last year for his work on the Dufty case.

Award-winning officer Jay Notaro. Picture: Kyle Wisniewski

Acting Commissioner Chelepy said the Queensland service was assisting with search efforts.

“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.”

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

Cross-Border Commissioner and former Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said he was praying and hoping for Insp Notaro to be found safely.

Mr Leavers and Insp Notaro have known each other for many years.

“Jay is one of the most competent and capable coppers I know, who has a great future in the police,” Mr Leavers said.

“He is a future leader of the police, especially in the higher ranks.

“I just hope he is found safely and we have a really good outcome.

“He is not only a friend, he is one of the future leaders of the organisation,” he said.

“I’m praying, he’s just a champion.

“If we had more coppers like that we would be a better organisation.”

Ian Leavers pictured with Jay Notaro.

Colleagues were rocked by news of the officer’s disappearance.

“Everyone is a bit shocked and just hoping for the best,” one senior officer said.

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