Sailor, one leaving ship when capsized? (3)

I believe the answer is:

tar

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'sailor' is the definition.
(slang term for a sailor)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for tar that I've seen before include "Black substance in cigarettes" , "Sailor (colloq.)" , "Black liquid from coal" , "Tobacco residue; sailor" , "Timber preservative" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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