Known Alcatraz Escape Attempts
Between 1934 and 1963, at least 36 prisoners attempted to escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Most were caught quickly, returned to custody, or died during the attempt. The island's cold water, strong currents, and remote location made successful escapes extremely rare.
The 1962 Escape: Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers
In June 1962, Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin vanished from their cells. They used papier-mâché dummy heads, widened ventilation ducts, and a raft made from raincoats. Authorities found the raft and dummy heads but never recovered the men. The FBI officially closed the case in 1979, concluding they likely drowned in San Francisco Bay.
Were Any Escapees Ever Caught or Confirmed Alive?
No confirmed escapee is known to have survived and been captured. In 2015, the FBI released documents stating no credible evidence supported the theory that the men reached shore alive. For more details, see the official National Park Service page on Alcatraz history.
