Firefighters Still Working to Save Bonhomme Richard

A group of Sailors departs the pier after supporting firefighting efforts aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard on July 15. U.S. NAVY / Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Natalie M. Byers

ARLINGTON, Va. — The firefighting efforts to save the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego carried over into a fifth day on July 16.

Just after midnight, early in the morning, the work of firefighting teams had to be temporarily halted, the Navy reported.

“Out of an abundance of caution the pier and ship were cleared of personnel due to an initial shift in the ship’s list,” Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, said in a release. “Personnel are now pierside. We will continue to monitor as the ship settles.”

As of 6 a.m. Pacific time, the firefighting teams were continuing operations on board the ship, according to the Navy. The total personnel treated for minor injuries remained 63 — 40 Sailors and 23 civilians. The fires were reportedly caused by an explosion, but the Navy has not officially disclosed a cause.