5 Ways To Escape Alcatraz

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The infamous Alcatraz Island, once home to some of the most notorious prisoners in American history, has long fascinated the public with its eerie and foreboding presence in the San Francisco Bay. Established as a maximum-security federal prison in 1934, Alcatraz was designed to be escape-proof, with walls, towers, and wire mesh making it nearly impossible for inmates to break free. Yet, despite these formidable obstacles, a total of 36 prisoners did attempt to escape from Alcatraz during its 29-year operational period, with some succeeding in evading capture for varying periods.

In this article, we'll delve into the five most notable escape attempts from Alcatraz, examining the methods used by the prisoners, the reasoning behind their actions, and the ultimate outcomes of their daring endeavors.

The 1937 Escape Attempt

One of the earliest and most infamous escape attempts from Alcatraz occurred in 1937, when Theodore "Ted" Cole and Ralph Roe attempted to break free. The two inmates, who had become close friends during their time on the island, meticulously planned their escape, using crude homemade tools to dig through the walls of their cells and create a makeshift rope to climb down from the roof.

On the evening of December 16, 1937, Cole and Roe made their move, using the cover of darkness to begin their ascent down the rope. However, the two inmates were soon spotted by the prison guards, who alerted the authorities. The escape attempt ended in tragedy, with both Cole and Roe disappearing into the frigid waters of the San Francisco Bay, their bodies never to be found.

Why They Failed

Cole and Roe's escape attempt was doomed from the start, primarily due to the lack of planning and resources. Their homemade tools were no match for the prison's robust security measures, and their failure to establish a secure exit route ultimately led to their demise.

The 1943 Escape Attempt

In 1943, a group of five inmates, including James Limerick, Floyd Hamilton, and Rufus McCain, hatched a plan to escape from Alcatraz using a combination of homemade tools and clever deception. The group managed to dig through the walls of their cells and create a makeshift key to unlock the doors, before making their way to the prison's roof.

Once on the roof, the group used a crude homemade ladder to climb down to the ground, where they had stashed a cache of stolen clothing and supplies. However, their escape was soon discovered, and the prison guards launched a massive manhunt to capture the fugitives.

The Aftermath

Two of the escapees, Limerick and Hamilton, were recaptured within days of the escape, while McCain was found dead, drowned in the San Francisco Bay. The remaining two escapees, Sam Shockley and Miran Edgar Thompson, were later found and killed in a shootout with prison guards.

The 1946 Escape Attempt

On May 2, 1946, a group of six inmates, including Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin, launched a daring escape attempt from Alcatraz. The group had spent months digging through the walls of their cells using crude homemade tools, creating a network of tunnels and hidden passages.

On the evening of the escape, the group made their way to the roof, where they had stashed a cache of stolen clothing and supplies. Using homemade life jackets, the group set off into the San Francisco Bay, paddling towards the mainland.

The Mystery Remains

Despite an extensive manhunt and investigation, the FBI was unable to determine the fate of the three escapees, Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin. Their bodies were never found, and it remains unclear whether they survived the treacherous waters of the San Francisco Bay or perished in the attempt.

The 1958 Escape Attempt

In 1958, a group of three inmates, including Clyde Johnson, attempted to escape from Alcatraz using a combination of homemade tools and cunning. The group managed to dig through the walls of their cells and create a makeshift key to unlock the doors, before making their way to the prison's roof.

Once on the roof, the group used a crude homemade ladder to climb down to the ground, where they had stashed a cache of stolen clothing and supplies. However, their escape was soon discovered, and the prison guards launched a massive manhunt to capture the fugitives.

Captured and Returned

Johnson and his accomplices were recaptured within days of the escape, and were returned to Alcatraz to face punishment for their actions.

The 1962 Escape Attempt

On June 11, 1962, a group of three inmates, including John Anglin, Clarence Anglin, and Frank Morris, launched a daring escape attempt from Alcatraz. The group had spent months digging through the walls of their cells using crude homemade tools, creating a network of tunnels and hidden passages.

On the evening of the escape, the group made their way to the roof, where they had stashed a cache of stolen clothing and supplies. Using homemade life jackets, the group set off into the San Francisco Bay, paddling towards the mainland.

The FBI Investigation

Despite an extensive manhunt and investigation, the FBI was unable to determine the fate of the three escapees. The case remains one of the most infamous in American history, with the FBI officially closing the case in 1979, concluding that the three men likely drowned in the San Francisco Bay.

If you've made it this far, you're probably curious about the escapes from Alcatraz. Do you think the FBI's conclusion about the 1962 escape attempt is correct? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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