(attacking and) sinking (a ship); sending (a ship) to the bottom
敵の輸送船が魚雷で撃沈された。
The enemy transport ship was sunk by a torpedo.
この海戦で多くの艦艇を撃沈した。
Many warships were sunk in this naval battle.
潜水艦による撃沈の報告が届いた。
A report of sinking by submarine was received.