Crossword Genius

Real SOS at sea, when unable to propel boat? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oarless

'unable to propel boat?' is the definition.

'real sos at sea' is the wordplay.
'at sea' indicates an anagram.
'real'+'sos'='realsos'
'realsos' with letters rearranged gives 'OARLESS'.

'when' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for oarless that I've seen before include "Lacking a means of moving" , "like the coxswain" , "without a paddle" , "Unable to row" , "ill-equipped for 35 [REHATTAS]" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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