A heartbroken fiancee has been left behind by the Russian trawler that absconded from New Zealand waters.
While the young woman was unaware of the Ascold's imminent departure, it appears some sailors at Lyttelton were more knowledgeable.
The trawler left the economic zone on Saturday, taking 63 tonnes of hoki and leaving more than $600,000 in debts. The Ministry of Fisheries is still trying to trace the vessel.
Trudi Mitchell, owner of the Lyttelton Hotel affectionately dubbed the "Balalaika" by its Russian clientele, said she knew one sailor who decided not to join the vessel's last trip because he had heard it would not return.
Ms Mitchell said she had heard the vessel was heading for Russia, but was unaware there was anything unusual about its departure.
One woman was devastated when told the man she thought she would marry had left on the vessel, said Ms Mitchell.
The Vanuatu-registered owner of the vessel, Pacific Marine, had not answered phone calls and faxes from creditors or the vessel's Christchurch agent, Far-Fish (Dalryba) NZ.
- NZPA
Russians jilt lover, creditors
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