A frantic search for four children reported missing on Friday ended in relief after authorities determined the incident was the result of a misunderstanding.

The children, all aged 8 and younger and visiting Antigua, were initially believed to have disappeared from a vehicle parked at the Townhouse Mega Store compound, prompting a major police response and widespread concern on social media.

According to information received, the children’s aunt was transporting the four youngsters in the back of her van when she picked up two additional children who were attending a summer camp. She later stopped in Potters to drop off the campers.

Unbeknownst to her, all six children exited the vehicle, and the four children in her care boarded the summer camp bus along with the others.

Believing the children were still in the van, the aunt drove to the Townhouse Mega Store parking lot and went into a nearby bank. She reportedly spoke to the children before leaving the vehicle, unaware they were no longer inside.

When she returned and discovered the van was empty, she believed the children had vanished and immediately raised the alarm.

Police launched a search that included the use of a drone as the report spread rapidly across the island.

The children were later found safe at Frye’s Beach with the summer camp group.

The incident concluded without injury, and what initially appeared to be a missing-children emergency was ultimately traced to a misunderstanding.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Misunderstanding Behind Missing Children Scare Ends With Safe Recovery.