Vessel’s company reported over girl, we hear? (8)

I believe the answer is:

crucible

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'vessel's' is the definition.
(crucible is a kind of vessel)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for crucible that I've seen before include "Miller's bewitching play" , "Melting pot" , "Metal-melting container" , "it gets very heated" , "Trial" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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