What does the cryptic crossword clue "Clean vessel boarded by new leader (5)" mean?

The definition is "Clean". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). CR (synonym="Carolus Rex – new leader: the former one still gets a mention at 16dn") in SUB (synonym="vessel") = SCRUB; definition: "Clean" The answer is SCRUB.

Clean vessel boarded by new leader (5)

Guardian Cryptic #29115 | 4 Down | 2023-07-06 flower

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