Sailor dispatched, not here (6)
I believe the answer is:
absent
'not here' is the definition.
(absent from this place)
'sailor dispatched' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'ab' (abbreviation for able seaman).
'dispatched' becomes 'sent' (I've seen this in another clue).
'ab'+'sent'='ABSENT'
(Other definitions for absent that I've seen before include "Forgetful, with mind on other things" , "Missing or dreamy" , "lack of attention" , "Not at a specified place" , "Inattentive" .)