Existence of ship pointed out?

[aurion]

I'm stuck, annoyingly, on the last clue of today's crossword.

22a Existence of ship pointed out ?s?e

All I can think of is ESSE .. but why?
Thanks in advance.

[Mamyalynne]

existence = Esse

Ship =SS
pointed = E(ast) E(ast)

[MarkRae]

Esse = means existence, from the Latin.

And it's 'vessel' with the ends off...

Bit tenuous, I'll admit...

[chelle7272]

ss = ship with EE (points) outside?

[slaney]

V(esse)l?

[aurion]

Thanks, all, for the speedy replies. I do like to know why!