What does the cryptic crossword clue "Murderer maybe near the stern in rescue float (4,4)" mean?

The definition is "rescue float". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). LIFER (synonym="murderer, maybe") + AFT (synonym="near the stern") = LIFERAFT; definition: "rescue float" The answer is LIFERAFT.

Murderer maybe near the stern in rescue float (4,4)

Guardian Cryptic #29048 | 23 Across | 2023-04-19 flower

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