SEVEN SPRINGS — First responders continued searching for missing 23-year-old Antonio Hernandez Sanches on Saturday at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. 

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Olive Police Department, Wayne County Emergency Management, Arr-Mac Water Response Team, Seven Springs Fire Department, NC Wildlife, NC State Parks, Wake Forest Fire Department, NC Emergency Management, and the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office have been assisting in the search efforts.

Additionally, Craven County Emergency Management has joined the operation, utilizing an Underwater Search & Rescue ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) to assist in locating Sanches.

At this time, no foul play is suspected in his disappearance. Investigators have located fishing equipment belonging to Sanches in an area he regularly visited to fish.

Sanches was last seen at his workplace, Mount Olive Pickle Company, on Feb. 6 at approximately 2:30 p.m.

After Sanches was last seen on Feb. 6 at Mount Olive Pickle Company, his vehicle was later found at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, a location he routinely visits for fishing.

A coordinated search effort began on Feb. 8, involving multiple agencies, including the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Olive Police Department, NC State Parks, Arr-Mac Water Response Team, and Seven Springs Fire Department.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and partnering agencies remain dedicated to this search and urge anyone with relevant information to contact the Wayne County Office of Emergency Services at (919) 731-1493.