Posted on Mon, Jun. 04, 2012

Twenty-two Cubans have been repatriated by Key West Coast Guard officials.

They were picked up from “rustic vessels” in two groups — one group of 18 and another of four — between May 27 and May 28 and were returned to Bahia de Cabanas, Cuba, on Thursday, Coast Guard spokeswoman Petty Officer Sabrina Elgammal said.

They were returned to Cuba as part of the U.S.’ “wet-foot, dry-foot” policy in which Cuban migrants are sent back if they are found before they reach U.S. soil.

Elgammal said the Cuban migrants were given food, water, shelter and basic medical care when they were found. She said the Coast Guard discourages anyone from going into open sea in unsafe boats or makeshift rafts.

“Anytime someone takes a voyage in a rustic vessel, you’re putting your life in danger,” she said.