Crossword Genius

Caught by State Coastal Patrol Boat (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cutter

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'patrol boat' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'caught by state coastal' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'caught' could be 'c' (cricket abbreviation) and 'c' is found within the answer.
'state' could be 'utter' (both can mean to say) and 'utter' is found in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cutter that I've seen before include "Vessel (but not a clipper!)" , "Slicing tool of fast sailing ship" , "Sailing boat - knife, perhaps" , "One working with Ruby possibly" , "A scissors, say, or a small ship" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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