A source at a state intelligence agency said Saturday that twenty-two North Koreans were returned home after two boats carrying them drifted into South Korean waters in strong currents last week.

The source said that the 22 North Koreans were spotted on the western waters off South Korea's Yeonpyeong islands and interrogated by the Navy and the state intelligence agency on February 8th.

The source said that they were swept by currents into South Korean waters as they were going to gather clams.

The South Korean government sent them back to the North using an overland route that evening, as they wished to go back home.

He said there was nothing suspicious about the group, composed of eight males and 14 females.

The source said they showed no intention of defection.