Lights out on an icon: the last Star Ferries leave old Central pier

The lights of the Star Ferry clock tower and pier in Central went out at midnight as the iconic green ferries left the berth for the last time after 48 years - sparking protests for some and memories for others.

Throughout the day, tens of thousands of people flocked to the Central waterfront, some to take the ride from the pier at Edinburgh Place for the last time, others to photograph the clock tower, which will be dismantled and rebuilt in a museum.

Four boats carrying 1,800 passengers who had snapped up HK$88 charity tickets, made their last crossing from the pier at midnight, while a fifth boat bearing 100 VIPs left from the new pier and joined the other boats on the trip across the harbour.

Seconds after the final 12 chimes from the old pier's clock tower sounded at midnight, the light on the clock face was extinguished, drawing a moan of protest from the crowd, many of whom held candles, followed by yells, cheers and loud whistles.

A final chant of bo lau, meaning 'preserve', went up as the lights of the building dimmed.

The last sailing for the public left at about 11.30pm - after a slight delay as passengers persuaded crewmen to pose with them before pulling up the gangplanks. The captain of one of the final ferries, Mr Wan, had to remind passengers the service was not closing, merely relocating.

Alexandra Lee, 67, and her daughter Josephine Chan, 28, visited the pier to reminisce about the many trips they made on the ferries down the years.