What an oarsman will do, if the boat capsizes? (6)

I believe the answer is:

stroke

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'what an oarsman' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for stroke that I've seen before include "beat?" , "Blow ?- single movement" , "The leading oarsman could have a paralysing attack" , "Brush gently - coup" , "Pet" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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