Taipei, Sep 25 (IANS): Taiwanese fishing boats that sailed to the disputed Diaoyu islands to protest Japan's purchase of the islands completed their voyage Tuesday.

The boats have set sail for home, reported Xinhua.

Media reported that the boats finished their protest at 9.15 a.m. and are expected to return to a port in northeast Taiwan's Yilan county at noon Wednesday.

The boats assembled about 20 nautical miles away from the Diaoyu Islands at 5 a.m. Tuesday. They then made their way to the islands while evading Japanese vessels that attempted to stop them with water cannons, pushing to an area located three nautical miles away from the islands.

Although the boats originally numbered 75, they were joined at sea by other boats from different parts of Taiwan, raising the total number to about 100 vessels.

Organisers said the voyage was made to protect Taiwanese fishing rights in nearby waters and to protest Japan's purchase of the Diaoyu islands.