Cryptic crossword clue
Lanternfish found here, beset by troubles 2,4,5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 2 plus 4 plus 5 letter word IN DEEP WATER

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
I
N
D
E
E
P
W
A
T
E
R

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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

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