Crossword Genius

Shortened reddish brown water carrier that's dilapidated and found in the sea (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rust bucket

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'sea' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for rust bucket that I've seen before include "unroadworthy vehicle?" , "In old car" , "one, hardly roadworthy" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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