Crossword Genius

Louche airmen abandoned swimmer (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fish

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'swimmer' is the definition.
(fish swim)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for fish that I've seen before include "Ruff" , "Trawler's catch" , "Aquatic vertebrate" , "Search" , "Aquatic creature(s)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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