LOUISBURG, N.C. (WNCN) — Throughout the bends, curves and murky waters, crews continued a search Saturday along the Tar River in Franklin County. Franklin County Emergency Management Director Nicholas Thorpe said multiple agencies have actively searched for more than 60 hours now to help find a seven-year-old boy who vanished after playing near the water’s edge Monday night. Authorities confirmed it happened around 5:30 p.m. behind Hodges Road near Louisburg. “Just like anyone else, we feel the sadness, the frustrations, the stress and the fear that goes into these events,” said Thorpe while describing the difficult week. He said it’s those same emotions that have also motivated agencies to continue the search. Missing person found dead in Belews Lake Tuesday evening, authorities said the search transitioned into a recovery effort. In nearly a week, Thorpe said more than 100 first responders and resources from about 5-6 counties have assisted. In addition to search and rescue crews with Wake Forest and Rocky Mount fire departments, Thorpe said NCSBI also stepped in to search with at least three cadaver dogs. The agency confirmed they planned to assist throughout the full weekend. Multiple agencies enter day 5 of search on Tar River (Dan Terrero/CBS 17)Multiple agencies enter day 5 of search at Tar River (Courtesy of NC SBI)Multiple agencies enter day 5 of search at Tar River (Courtesy of NC SBI)Multiple agencies enter day 5 of search at Tar River (Courtesy of NC SBI)Multiple agencies enter day 5 of search at Tar River (Courtesy of NC SBI)Multiple agencies enter day 5 of search at Tar River (Courtesy of NC SBI)Multiple agencies enter day 5 of search at Tar River (Courtesy of NC SBI) With the help of water drones and sonar technology, Thorpe said divers and crews on the boat turned their attention Saturday to two areas of interest about a mile south of where the boy fell in. “As soon as one or two of those areas are identified, then we start putting divers in the water to do that feeling around and searching to see what we can find,” said Thorpe. He continued, “It’s a very systematic and slow process for the dive teams to go in there and make sure they’re combing the floor of the river.” He added, “The water is very murky. You could hold your hand up to your face and wouldn’t be able to see, so they’re using every means necessary to feel every nook and cranny of the river.” Beginning daily at about 9 a.m., Franklin County Emergency Management said boats hit the water and efforts continue before it gets dark. Thorpe explained that about three miles of the river have been thoroughly searched since crews initially responded, but he said efforts have extended about nine miles in total. He also noted that changing weather and river conditions throughout the six days have helped significantly. Woman found dead at Greensboro Arboretum near intersection of Ashland Drive, Tryon Street, police say “The water has slowed down and has gotten shallower which makes searching a whole lot easier,” Thorpe said. “We’re pulling every resource that we can get our hands on to help find our small neighbor, to help get him back to his family.” As long as conditions are safe and resources are available, the agency said they plan to remain dedicated to the search. Thorpe hopes it will help the boy’s family gain a sense of closure. “We’ve had folks from Vance, Granville, Nash… they’ve all been out here. When things like this happen, the whole state wants to come together to help with this search and bring closure to a family,” said Thorpe. He added, “We’ve gotten support from the state, from our partners throughout the county, and it’s just a testament of how the team can come together to put an operation together like this… It’s good to know that we have friends and neighbors that are willing to come out and help.” ...read more read less