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Aussie Cop Goes Missing, Surfboard Washes Ashore

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 7:52 PM ET

A prominent Queensland, Australia police officer has gone missing following a surf session in Byron Bay. Jay Notaro, the 45-year-old Detective Inspector, went for a surf at Broken Head on Monday, then, when he failed to show up for work, investigators initiated a large-scale search operation.

Reportedly, Notaro’s surfboard was found in the search, as was his car parked nearby. However, no Notaro. On Tuesday, shortly after noon, Police Rescue, Marine Area Command, Queensland PolAir, and Surf Life Saving NSW began the search. According to an NSW Police spokesperson:

"The search will focus on the areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, particularly in the Broken Head area.”

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Judging by reports, Notaro has served as a well-respected and high-profile officer in the Queensland community. Per Queensland Police Union President, Ian Leavers, via Sky News, called Notaro a “future leader of the police.” He continued:

"Jay is one of the most competent and capable coppers I know. 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 organization. If we had more coppers like that we would be a better organization."

Byron Bay, and the surrounding areas, aren’t typically known for treacherous surf. Instead, the premier spots attract the longboard, neo-hippie, mid-length, alt-craft crowd. And loads of ‘em, too; some of the more popular spots can be incredibly crowded on a daily basis. Despite the crowds, it's a dreamy region to be a surfer.

Recently, post Tropical Cyclone Alfred, regions of South Australia were inundated with a mysterious foam in the ocean, which caused over one hundred surfers to fall sick, and sea life to wash up dead on shore. As of now, there’s no correlation between the foam and Notaro’s disappearance.

The search is ongoing.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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