Police officer Jay Notaro identified as man missing at Broken Head near Byron Bay

Police inspector Jay Notaro has been identified as the man missing at Broken Head in Byron Bay, triggering a major search.

The search was launched for Notaro, 45, on Tuesday at 12.40pm.

Concerns were raised for his welfare after his surfboard was found abandoned by his car at the beach’s carpark.

Police, water police, the Queensland Polair and surf lifesavers are involved in the search.

On Wednesday, Sunrise reporter Georgia Costi revealed how the search for Notaro is progressing.

“There are really serious concerns for well-known and well-respected Queensland police officer Jay Notaro,” Costi said.

“We understand the alarm was raised when he failed to show up to work, and yesterday his car and surfboard were found here at Broken Head in Byron Bay.

“We saw a really major search yesterday with both Queensland and NSW police in the air and on the water but so far, no sign of Jay.

“What is of extra concern is that this is extremely out of character, and yesterday, there were a lot of sharks spotted in the water as well.

“This morning on the sand already, there are a couple of police officers out searching with torches, but a much bigger search will begin at 7am, so in about an hour’s time, when the sun comes up.”

Last year, Notaro was awarded a “compassion in policing” award by the Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group.

“A lot of people right around Queensland know this particular officer, he’s very well-respected,” Costi continued.

“He was the officer in charge of the Gold Coast Water Police, then the officer in charge of the Coomera Police Station and is now working in Ipswich as an inspector.

“A lot of people really worried this morning and hoping for answers when the sun comes up and that search resumes.”