"Bonhomme Richard": Soldier is said to be responsible for large fires on warship

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Fire on the »Bonhomme Richard« in July 2020

Photo: Denis Poroy / AP

The damage was so great that the US warship later had to be decommissioned: One year after the great fire on the Bonhomme Richard in the port of San Diego, the US Navy accuses a soldier of being responsible for the fire.

As a spokesman for the responsible third fleet announced on Thursday, the investigation pointed to arson.

The suspect marine was said to have been part of the crew at the time of the fire on the ship.

In that case there should now be a first hearing.

The fire broke out inside the ship last July.

It could only be deleted after four days.

Dozens of seafarers and civilians had to be treated for minor injuries such as smoke inhalation.

The "Bonhomme Richard" was an amphibious assault ship, comparable to a small aircraft carrier.

Helicopters, for example, could take off from the ship.

It was in use for more than twenty years.

kha / dpa / Reuters