At sea, if able to, this saves people (8)

I believe the answer is:

lifeboat

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'this saves people' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'at sea if able to' is the wordplay.
'at sea' is an anagram indicator.
'if'+'able'+'to'='ifableto'
'ifableto' anagrammed gives 'LIFEBOAT'.

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(Other definitions for lifeboat that I've seen before include "Rescuer" , "Small vessel designed to help people at sea" , "Sea rescue craft" , "To fable I turn if in danger of sinking" , "Take to it if the ship is sinking" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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