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Alcatraz 1962: The Escape That Still Haunts the FBI
Sep 13, 2025
June 11, 1962 — three men vanished from the most secure prison in the world. Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers pulled off the impossible: escaping from Alcatraz. But did they actually survive? Or did the San Francisco Bay swallow them forever?" In this video, we dive deep into the legendary Alcatraz escape — the planning, the ingenious tools, the mysterious letter received decades later, and the unanswered question that still keeps the FBI guessing. Discover: 🔹 The brutal history of Alcatraz, home to Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly 🔹 How Morris and the Anglins used homemade rafts, dummy heads, and pure determination 🔹 The shocking letter in 2013 that may prove they lived in hiding for 50 years 🔹 Theories, cover-ups, and why this remains America’s greatest prison mystery 👀 Was this the perfect crime? Or did the Rock claim three more victims? 📌 Watch till the end and tell us in the comments: Do you believe they survived? ✨ Keywords naturally included: Alcatraz Escape, Alcatraz Prison Break, Frank Morris, Anglin Brothers, Unsolved Mystery, FBI, Prison Escape, True Crime, Mafia Connections, Al Capone. -~-~~-~~~-~~-~--~-~~-~~~-~~-~--~-~~-~~~-~~-~- ⚠️ Content Disclaimer: This video is created for educational and informational purposes only. We do NOT glorify, promote, or encourage any form of criminal activity. All visuals, audio, and materials used in this video are either: ✔ Created using AI tools, or
View Video Transcript
0:00
Imagine a world where escape seems impossible. Where the most notorious
0:05
criminals are held captive on a rocky island surrounded by treacherous waters.
0:12
Welcome to Alcatraz, the infamous federal prison that has captivated the
0:18
imagination of millions. But what if someone managed to break
0:23
free from this inescapable fortress? Today, we dive into a mystery that has
0:28
puzzled investigators for half a century. A daring escape, a 50-year
0:34
silence, and then a letter that could change everything. Join us as we unravel
0:41
the secrets of Alcatraz's most infamous escape and the shocking message that
0:46
arrived five decades later. This is a tale of ingenuity, perseverance, and the
0:54
enduring human spirit, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. In
1:01
June 1962, inmates Clarence Angland, John Angland,
1:07
Frank Morris, and Alan West attempted a daring escape from the federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island. This
1:15
prison is known for housing notorious criminals such as Al Scarface Capone,
1:21
George Machine Gun Kelly, Boston Mafia boss James Whitey Bulier from the 1970s,
1:28
and Harlem drug lord Ellsworth Raymond Bumpy Johnson. Al Capone, undoubtedly
1:35
the most infamous gangster in American history during the 1920s at the height
1:40
of his power, also spent time at Alcatraz. During Prohibition, Capone's operations
1:47
in Chicago, worth millions of dollars, dominated organized crime through
1:53
alcohol trafficking, prostitution, and gambling. Capone was responsible for
2:00
numerous brutal acts of violence, primarily against other gangsters. The
2:06
most infamous of these was the St. Valentine's Day massacre in 1929,
2:12
where he ordered the murder of seven rivals. Capone was eventually convicted
2:18
and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Capone was convicted of tax fraud in
2:24
1931 and transferred to Alcatraz in 1934 where he spent 4.5 years in relative
2:32
isolation due to his deteriorating health and mental state. Machine Gun
2:38
Kelly made FBI history after kidnapping a wealthy oil magnate in 1933.
2:45
He demanded a ransom of $200,000 and threatened to kill his victim if the
2:51
police intervened. However, the FBI tracked him down and
2:56
arrested him after a shootout in Memphis, Tennessee. As for Ellsworth
3:02
Raymond Bumpy Johnson, his story constitutes another fascinating chapter in American criminal history, but we
3:09
will delve into the details of his life and exploits later. So stay tuned to
3:17
learn more about Bumpy Johnson. Let's begin with Frank Lee Morris. Born in
3:23
Washington DC on September 1st, 1926.
3:28
Frank Lee Morris led a tumultuous life that immersed him in a network of
3:33
criminal activities from a young age. His journey into the world of crime
3:38
began when he was just 13 years old, marking the start of a troubled path
3:44
that led to a series of arrests and convictions. By the end of his teenage years,
3:50
Morris's criminal record included a wide range of offenses from drug possession
3:55
to armed robbery. These early encounters with the law foreshadowed a life of
4:01
persistent delinquency. During these formative years, Frank
4:06
Morris found himself behind the walls of various penitentiaries where he even
4:12
served meals to other inmates as part of his kitchen duties. As he grew older,
4:18
Morris's criminal activities intensified. He was arrested for crimes such as burglary in Miami Beach, car
4:26
theft, and armed robbery, making him a familiar figure to law enforcement.
4:32
However, amidst his criminal activities, one remarkable aspect of Morris's life
4:38
stood out. His intelligence. Frankly, Morris possessed an impressive
4:44
IQ of 133, placing him in the top 2% of
4:49
the general population. This high intelligence made him a highly
4:55
capable individual despite his criminal activities. These intellectual abilities
5:01
would later play a significant role in the events that unfolded during his
5:07
incarceration at Alcatraz. Morris's journey through the criminal justice system led him to various
5:14
penitentiies in Florida and Georgia. Each chapter marked by his continued
5:20
involvement in illicit activities. However, his most audacious act was
5:26
escaping from a Louisiana state penitentiary while serving a 10-year sentence for bank robbery. This bold
5:34
escape marked a turning point in his criminal career and earned him some
5:39
notoriety with law enforcement. Despite his brief taste of freedom,
5:45
Frank Lee Morris could not evade the long arm of the law for long. About a
5:50
year after his escape, he was recaptured while committing a burglary.
5:56
This time there would be no escape and he was sent to the notorious federal
6:02
penitentiary of Alcatraz. On January 20th, 1960,
6:08
Frank Morris became inmate number AZ441 at Alcatraz.
6:15
Little did anyone know that this chapter of his life would lead to one of the boldest and most mysterious escape
6:22
attempts in the history of American prisons. Next, we have John and Clarence Angland.
6:31
John and Clarence Angland were two brothers whose unbreakable bond formed
6:37
early in their lives. They were known for being excellent swimmers and fearless adventurers.
6:44
Once they braved the icy waters of Lake Michigan while chunks of ice still
6:49
floated on the surface. This daring feat amazed their siblings and showcased
6:57
their adventurous spirit. Over the years, the Angland brothers
7:02
lives took a criminal turn. It all began when Clarence, at the tender age of 14,
7:09
was caught in the act of breaking into a gas station. This marked the start of
7:15
their criminal activities. By the early 1950s, Clarence and John
7:20
Angland had teamed up to commit crimes, often targeting closed establishments to
7:26
ensure no one was harmed during their robberies. Notably, they claimed to have
7:31
used a weapon only once, and on that occasion, it was a toy gun during a bank
7:37
robbery. In 1958, the brothers successfully executed a holdup at the
7:43
Bank of Colombia in Colulbert, Alabama. This robbery led to their conviction and
7:49
sentencing with the judicial system imposing 35-year sentences, setting them
7:55
on a path through a series of prisons. Over the years, John and Clarence
8:01
experienced life behind bars in various institutions, including the Florida
8:06
State Prison, the Federal Penitentiary at Levvenworth, and the Atlanta Penitentiary.
8:12
However, their insatiable desire for freedom drove them to attempt multiple
8:18
escapes from the Atlanta Penitentiary. These repeated attempts caught the attention of the authorities and
8:24
eventually led to their transfer to the notorious federal penitentiary at Alcatraz.
8:30
John Angland arrived at Alcatraz on October 24th, 1960 under the inmate
8:35
number A476. Shortly after, his brother Clarence
8:41
joined him on January 16th, 1961 with the inmate number A485.
8:50
The final key figure is Alan West, born in New York. West's story marks a
8:57
significant chapter in criminal history. His journey began in 1955 when he was
9:04
arrested for car theft. Following this conviction, he was initially incarcerated at the Atlanta
9:10
Penitentiary, known for its high security and its role in housing some of the country's most notorious criminals.
9:18
However, Alan West's time in prison was marked by repeated escape attempts. His
9:24
attempt to escape from the Florida State Prison, where he was serving time for car theft, drew significant attention
9:31
from the authorities. Due to his history of escape attempts and the threat he posed as a serial offender, Alan West
9:39
was transferred to Alcatraz in 1957 at the relatively young age of 28. Upon
9:46
arriving at Alcatraz, West was assigned inmate number A335,
9:53
joining a select group of prisoners on the isolated and notorious island prison. Alcatraz was known for its
10:02
formidable security measures, including its heavily reinforced cells, vigilant
10:08
guards, and its location amid the treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay.
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The prison's reputation as virtually escaproof added an extra layer of intrigue to the story of any inmate
10:21
attempting to escape. The three inmates, Frank Morris, John Angland, and Clarence
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Angland, had a shared history, having crossed paths during previous incarcerations in Florida and Georgia.
10:36
When they found themselves in adjacent cells at Alcatraz in December 1961,
10:41
they seized the opportunity to join forces and develop a bold escape plan.
10:47
Frank Morris, with his intelligence and leadership skills, took charge of orchestrating this complex scheme. Their
10:55
plan involved strategically enlarging the ventilation ducts located under
11:00
their sinks. To accomplish this, they ingeniously repurposed discarded saw
11:06
blades they had retrieved from the prison grounds as well as metal spoons.
11:12
Their most remarkable achievement was the creation of an improvised electric
11:17
drill made from a vacuum cleaner motor. This ingenuity allowed them to make the
11:25
necessary modifications without arousing suspicion. They concealed their work
11:31
with painted cardboard and muffled any noise with Morris's accordion during the
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music hour, effectively camouflaging the sounds of their digging. Once the holes
11:42
were sufficiently large, the inmates could access an unmonitored service corridor located directly behind their
11:48
cell level. From there, they climbed up to the upper vacant level of the cell
11:55
block, which became their secret workshop, where their escape plan took shape. They used over 50 raincoats along
12:03
with other stolen and donated materials to craft makeshift life vests. Notably,
12:10
Morris had found a life vest model in the March 1962 issue of Popular
12:16
Mechanics, which provided them with crucial design information. This
12:22
workshop, located at the top of the cell block, became the epicenter of their
12:28
activities. It was here that they crafted the life vests, ensuring they would float and
12:36
support their weight in the icy waters surrounding Alcatraz Island. While
12:41
working, they carefully concealed their activities and materials, protecting
12:46
themselves from the ever watchful eyes of the prison guards. They also learned
12:52
to craft a lampshade from resin based on information found in the November 1960
12:58
issue of Popular Mechanics. Additionally, they gathered valuable
13:03
information on navigation aids, particularly channel buoys from the May
13:08
21st, 1962 issue of Sports Illustrated.
13:14
Undeterred by their confined environment, the escapees managed to construct a large rubber raft measuring
13:21
6 ft by 14 ft. They handstitched the seams of the raft and sealed them using
13:28
liquid plastic they had acquired. They procured the liquid plastic from the prison workshops and used nearby steam
13:36
pipes to apply heat, facilitating the sealing process. For the paddles, they
13:42
improvised with available materials, shaping sturdy tools from plywood and
13:48
screws. To access the roof, an essential element of their escape plan, they had
13:54
to climb a ventilation shaft and dismantle a large fan secured with rivets. Their escape plan involved not
14:02
only meticulous physical preparations, but also careful attention to detail.
14:08
They knew it was crucial to conceal their activities outside their cells and to keep their escape plans undisclosed.
14:16
To ensure their plan remained hidden until the escape, they created lifelike
14:22
dummy heads to mimic their presence during headcounts and patrols.
14:27
These realistic heads were made from an inventive concoction resembling papier mare created by combining soap and
14:36
paste. To complete the dummies, they added finishing touches using paint from
14:41
the maintenance workshop and hair collected from the floor of the prison barber shop. By strategically arranging
14:48
towels and clothing under their covers and placing the crafted heads on their
14:53
pillows, they created the illusion from a distance that they were sleeping
14:58
deeply in their bunks. They eagerly awaited the night of their escape on
15:04
June 11th, 1962. Yet, despite their meticulous planning,
15:11
unforeseen difficulties arose. Alan encountered an unexpected obstacle in
15:16
the form of hardened cement around his ventilation duct. This accidental
15:22
complication narrowed the opening and firmly blocked the grate in place. His
15:28
efforts to address the issue were in vain, and by the time he managed to clear the ventilation duct and enlarge
15:33
the hole, his companions were already on their way without him. Left with no
15:40
choice, he had to return to his cell, resigned to missing the opportunity to
15:46
escape. After successfully navigating the service corridor, Frank Morris and the
15:52
Angland brothers moved on to the next phase of their escape plan. Through a
15:58
combination of meticulous planning and audacity, they climbed through the ventilation shaft and eventually emerged
16:06
on the prison roof. During this ascent, a loud crash unexpectedly reverberated
16:12
in the confined space, alerting some of the guards. However, since no other
16:18
unusual noises followed and the cause of the commotion was not immediately apparent, the disruption did not go
16:26
unnoticed. Equipped with their makeshift tools and driven by a sense of urgency, the
16:33
escapees descended from a height of 15 m by sliding down a kitchen ventilation
16:38
duct. This risky descent demonstrated their ingenuity and determination.
16:47
Once on the ground, they faced a significant challenge. Not just one, but
16:54
two 12t high barbed wire fences stood between them and freedom. In a
17:01
remarkable display of determination and skill, they managed to overcome these
17:06
obstacles and find themselves on the northeast shore of Alcatraz.
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This location proved to be a tactical stroke of genius as it was near the
17:18
power plant and thus in a blind spot of the prison's security system. Shielded
17:24
from the vigilant gaze of the search lights and the watchful eyes of the guard towers, they seized this
17:32
opportunity to execute their escape plan. It was in this hidden corner that
17:37
they put their preparations to the test. Using a stolen concertina, an instrument
17:43
resembling an accordion that had been ingeniously modified to serve as a makeshift air pump, they effectively
17:51
inflated the raft they had meticulously crafted. Their attention to detail and
17:57
adaptability highlighted their determination to succeed against all odds. Later that night, shortly after
18:05
1000 p.m., the trio of escapees embarked on the final phase of their plan. They
18:12
boarded the raft they had worked so hard to create and launched it into the cold,
18:17
dark waters. Their objective was to reach Angel Island, located about 3 km
18:24
to the north. With each stroke of their makeshift paddles crafted from plywood
18:29
and screws, they moved further away from the prison walls that had confined them
18:34
for so long. As the lights of Alcatraz faded into the distance, their journey
18:40
into the unknown began, a daring attempt at freedom that would captivate the
18:45
imagination of the world and become a lasting symbol of determination
18:51
and defiance. Since then, numerous theories have emerged about whether they survived
18:58
their escape. After the three inmates fled from Alcatraz, military and law enforcement
19:04
agencies conducted a 10-day search involving aerial, maritime, and ground
19:10
efforts. They discovered a paddle and a wallet containing information about
19:16
friends and family. Remnants of what seemed to be the escape raft were found
19:21
near the Golden Gate Bridge, and an uninflated life jacket from the same
19:26
raft was also discovered near Alcatraz Island. However, no further evidence was
19:33
found. The FBI initially believed that the escapes had drowned because they left
19:40
their personal belongings behind, but no human remains were found at that time. A
19:48
month later, a ship spotted a body floating in the water near the Golden
19:53
Gate Bridge. The body was recovered later and reported in October. However,
20:00
the local coroner, Henry Turkl, doubted that it was one of the escapees,
20:05
believing instead that it was someone else who had jumped from the bridge. Other coroners disagreed, suggesting it
20:13
might be one of the escapees. The FBI officially stated that it was
20:19
possible for the escapees to have reached Angel Island, but that the chances of survival in the rough waters
20:25
were very slim. Additionally, according to the FBI's final report, the escapees
20:32
intended to steal clothes and a car once they reached dry land, but no such
20:38
thefts were reported in the area. While the evidence suggests they may have perished, one thing is certain, their
20:46
bodies were never found. The most intriguing theory about what happened to them is that they survived with the help
20:53
of a powerful ally. According to this theory, their ally was the true
20:59
mastermind behind their escape. And that mastermind was Ellsworth Raymond Bumpy
21:05
Johnson. Bumpy Johnson, known for the abnormal growth on his head that gave
21:12
him his nickname, Bumpy, led a life filled with challenges and notoriety.
21:19
The murder of a white man had led to his older brother being sought by authorities.
21:26
Bumpy was sent with most of his siblings to live on the bustling streets of Harlem for their safety, escaping the
21:33
racial conflicts of the South, where they faced discrimination and violence.
21:39
Despite this new beginning, Bumpy couldn't escape the scourge of racism, even in Harlem's vibrant neighborhood.
21:47
His small stature and deep southern accent made him an easy target for bullies. However, his fiery temperament
21:55
and resilience prevented him from becoming an unfortunate victim. During
22:01
these early years, he began honing his fighting skills, learning to defend
22:06
himself on the harsh streets of Harlem. Education played a minor role in Bumpy's
22:13
life. He dropped out of high school early. Instead, he turned to odd jobs to
22:19
make ends meet and fell into the orbit of unsavory crowds.
22:24
Ultimately, this association led him to catch the attention of a notorious
22:29
gangster named William Bub Hulet. Under Hulet's direction, Bumpy evolved from a
22:36
mere street fighter into a valued bodyguard, protecting the interests of
22:41
high-profile gamblers in Harlem's vibrant neighborhood. Bumpy's criminal
22:47
activities eventually drew the attention of law enforcement, leading to his incarceration.
22:53
Over the following decade, he continued to hone his criminal skills and build his network, solidifying his status as a
23:01
significant figure in organized crime. By the time Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson
23:08
reached the age of 30, he had spent half of his life behind bars. When Bumpy
23:14
Johnson finally emerged from prison in 1932 after serving a lengthy sentence,
23:20
he found himself in a dire situation, broke and without legitimate job
23:26
prospects. Back on the harsh streets of Harlem, his life took a dramatic turn
23:34
when he crossed paths with one of the most powerful figures in Harlem's underworld, Stephanie Saint, known as
23:41
Saint in the criminal circles. Madame Queen, or Queen of the Policy Rackets,
23:49
Stephanie Sinclair, was a formidable force in New York's organized crime
23:54
world. St. Clare saw potential in Bumpy Johnson and took him under her wing, recognizing
24:00
his loyalty and resourcefulness. Their partnership marked a pivotal moment in Bumpy's life. At that time,
24:08
Dutch Schultz and his associates were prominent figures in New York's criminal underworld. Schultz, a notorious
24:15
gangster, controlled a substantial portion of the city's illegal enterprises,
24:21
including gambling and extortion rackets. His influence was a significant
24:27
challenge for Johnson and Sinclair. As Bumpy Johnson and Stephanie Sinclair
24:34
waged their war against Schultz, they navigated a perilous landscape filled
24:40
with violence and betrayal. The conflict between these criminal factions was not only a battle for
24:47
dominance, but also a reflection of the shifting alliances and power dynamics
24:53
within New York's organized crime scene. Their efforts to undermine Schulz's
24:59
operations and expand their own influence marked a defining chapter in
25:05
their criminal careers, ultimately reshaping the power structure of the city's underworld.
25:12
St. and Clare facing mounting legal pressure and the need to evade law
25:17
enforcement made a strategic decision to shift her focus. She realized that
25:23
maintaining her position in the highly volatile world of New York's organized crime would require adapting to the
25:31
changing circumstances and avoiding direct confrontation with the authorities. This led her to reposition
25:38
herself within the criminal landscape, leveraging her connections and influence
25:44
to solidify her standing while minimizing her exposure to legal risks.
25:49
Her decision to pivot from direct conflict with rival factions and focus
25:55
on securing her operations allowed her and Bumpy Johnson to navigate the
26:00
dangerous waters of organized crime with greater caution and strategic foresight.
26:07
With the disappearance of Schulz, Sinclair entrusted her criminal empire to Bumpy Johnson. In a surprising turn
26:15
of events, Johnson and Charles Lucky Lutaniano, who had previously been fierce rivals, formed an alliance. Under
26:23
this new partnership, Johnson was given control of all the organized crime
26:28
operations in Harlem as an independent entity with the understanding that Luchiano's syndicate, which would later
26:36
be known as the Genevese Crime Family, would receive a share of the profits.
26:42
Bumpy Johnson's influence in Harlem was multifaceted. His control over the territory expanded
26:50
significantly as he consolidated his power and navigated the complex dynamics
26:56
of organized crime, balancing his own interests with those of his new allies
27:03
in the criminal underworld. The community often lived in fear of his criminal activities, but they also held
27:10
him in deep admiration and respect. Johnson had built a reputation akin to
27:16
that of a modern-day Robin Hood. Despite his involvement in illegal activities,
27:22
he showed a more compassionate side by supporting the most vulnerable members of Harlem. A notable example of his
27:30
goodwill was his tradition of giving away turkeys to families in need at
27:35
Thanksgiving. This charity earned him the affection of many residents who saw
27:41
him as a protector of the community. Bumpy Johnson's life took a dramatic
27:47
turn in 1951 when he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in a
27:54
heroin distribution conspiracy in New York. He spent most of his sentence in
28:00
the infamous prison of Alcatraz. His time on the rock, as Alcatraz was
28:06
often called, was a difficult period that tested his resilience and personal
28:11
philosophy. Despite the harsh conditions, he continued to exert influence in the
28:17
criminal world, maintaining connections with his allies on the outside. His
28:24
ingenuity during his incarceration at Alcatraz contributed to the growing legend of Johnson and intriguing stories
28:32
surrounded his stay. One of the lesserknown stories involves his alleged
28:37
involvement in the daring escape attempt by the three Alcatraz escapees.
28:43
Although this story is not officially confirmed, it's worth noting that Clarence Kahn, another notorious inmate
28:51
at Alcatraz, claimed in interviews that Bumpy Johnson might have helped the
28:57
Angland brothers and Frank Morris in their escape attempt. According to
29:02
Kahn's Bumpy Johnson provided the boat that the Angland brothers and their
29:08
fellow escapee Frank Morris used for their audacious escape from the
29:14
supposedly impregnable island prison. This involvement in the escape attempt
29:20
align with Bumpy Johnson's reputation as a protector of those in need. The way he
29:26
protected Malcolm X is a notable example of his commitment to safeguarding those
29:31
in need. In the TV series Godfather of Harlem, there is a scene where Bumpy
29:38
Johnson reunites with Malcolm X after being released from Alcatraz, which has
29:44
led many to question the nature of their real life friendship. In reality, Bumpy
29:50
Johnson and Malcolm X were indeed friends. Johnson provided security for
29:56
Malcolm X when his life was in danger. Although the exact details of their
30:01
friendship are not extensively covered in Malcolm X's biography, their collaboration in the face of threats
30:09
underscores the depth of their relationship. The struggle for civil rights and social
30:15
justice in the United States is well documented. Bumpy Johnson and Malcolm X shared a
30:22
commitment to fighting for equity and equality during a tumultuous period in
30:28
American history. It is noteworthy that Malcolm X was killed after leaving
30:34
Johnson's protection, raising the possibility that Bumpy Johnson could
30:39
have been the true mastermind behind the Alcatraz escape. Given his resources and
30:45
connections, Johnson certainly had the means to assist the escapees in
30:50
disappearing without a trace. As for Alan West, he is the only member of the
30:56
escape plan who did not participate in the actual escape. After the failed
31:01
Alcatraz escape, Alan West made a crucial decision to fully cooperate with
31:07
the subsequent investigation. His cooperation allowed him to avoid any criminal charges related to the escape
31:14
plan, distinguishing him from his fellow escapees who faced legal consequences
31:21
for their roles in the audacious attempt. After the closure of Alcatraz
31:26
in 1963, West was among the prisoners transferred to other federal facilities. He was
31:33
initially incarcerated at McNeel Island off the coast of Washington and later
31:38
moved to the Atlanta Penitentiary where he continued to serve his sentence.
31:43
Although he was not charged for his involvement in the Alcatraz escape, West encountered legal trouble again in 1967.
31:52
Just a few years after his release from Alcatraz, he was arrested in Florida for
31:58
armed robbery. This arrest marked a new chapter in his troubled history with the
32:04
law. Tragically, while serving his sentence at a Florida state prison, a
32:10
deeply unfortunate and troubling incident occurred in October 1972.
32:16
West became involved in a fatal altercation that resulted in the
32:21
stabbing death of another inmate. The motives behind this incident are
32:26
unclear, but it has been suggested that it might have been driven by racial
32:32
animosity. Following this tragic event, Alan West was sentenced to multiple terms,
32:39
including a life sentence for murder. His time in prison ended grimly in 1978
32:46
when he died from acute peritonitis. The Alcatraz escape certainly inspired
32:52
other inmates to attempt similar feats. For example, on December 16th, 1962, an
33:00
Alcatraz inmate named John Paul Scott devised his own plan. He crafted water
33:05
wings from inflated gloves and bravely swam a distance of 2.7 nautical miles,
33:11
approximately 3.1 mi or 5 km, from Alcatraz to Fort Point, which is located
33:17
at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. On that fateful day, at precisely 5:47 a.m., the Alcatraz
33:25
authorities realized that an escape attempt was in progress. John Paul Scott, determined to escape from the
33:33
inescapable Alcatraz, had plunged into the cold and treacherous waters of the San Francisco
33:40
Bay. However, this escape attempt did not go as planned. Shortly after his
33:46
escape, the audacious Scott encountered a significant setback during his
33:52
desperate bid for freedom. Unfortunately, he broke his ankle, which
33:58
prevented him from continuing his escape. Aware of the dire situation he was in and the immense pain caused by
34:06
his broken ankle, Scott had no choice but to abandon his escape. Only 20
34:13
minutes after the alarm was raised, he was recaptured. The capture took place on a small rocky
34:21
formation known as Little Alcatraz, located just 100 m from Alcatraz Island
34:27
itself. It is interesting to note that while Scott's escape attempt was brief, he managed to evade the initial search
34:35
efforts conducted by the Coast Guard in the bay. Scott had successfully remained
34:40
hidden, momentarily leaving the authorities perplexed and questioning his whereabouts. At 7:40 a.m., the
34:49
military police at the Presidio received an unexpected call from a group of four teenagers.
34:55
They had come across a conscious man under the imposing structure of the
35:01
Golden Gate Bridge at a place known as Fort Point. To their great surprise,
35:08
this man was none other than John Paul Scott. Scott's condition was dire. He
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was suffering from severe hypothermia caused by the frigid waters and the exhausting ordeal he had endured. It
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appears that the outgoing tide had carried him a considerable distance from Alcatraz to this location approximately
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3 mi away. After being discovered and rescued by the teenagers, John Paul
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Scott was quickly transported to Letterman General Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and
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hypothermia. Once his physical condition was stabilized, he was swiftly returned to
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the confines of Alcatraz, where the reality of its inescapable reputation
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became undeniable once again. Before John Paul Scott's audacious escape
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attempt, everyone believed that swimming away from Alcatraz was a nearly
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impossible feat. The formidable challenges posed by the San Francisco Bay made this idea entirely plausible.
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Firstly, the temperature of the bay's water in December when Scott made his
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attempt was around 12° C. This icy water
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alone represented a significant threat to anyone trying to escape.
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Additionally, the powerful and unpredictable currents of the bay, which can reach speeds of over 6 knots, could
36:39
quickly carry a swimmer far away from their intended course, making navigation
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incredibly difficult. Furthermore, Alcatraz was surrounded by treacherous
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waters dotted with razor sharp rocks lurking just below the surface. These
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jagged underwater formations posed a severe danger to anyone attempting to
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swim away from the island. The occasional visits from great white sharks, known inhabitants of the bay,
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added to this already daunting environment. Although AC on humans are relatively
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rare, the mere possibility of encountering these apex predators added an extra layer of terror to the idea of
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swimming to freedom. The prison guards, well aware of these formidable natural
37:27
barriers, used them to discourage inmates from attempting to escape. When
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Frank Morris and the Angland brothers escaped from Alcatraz 6 months before
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John Paul Scott's attempt, prison officials initially assumed that the
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trio had met their demise in the bay's icy waters. Although the FBI officially
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listed them as missing, the prevailing belief was that they had likely drowned.
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However, John Paul Scott's escape challenged this notion. For the first
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time, it was proven that a determined inmate could, under specific circumstances,
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temporarily escape from Alcatraz by swimming. This event called into
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question the widely held belief that the seemingly insurmountable challenges
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posed by the San Francisco Bay made swimming to freedom virtually impossible.
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The most intriguing story is that of someone claiming to be John Angland who
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wrote to the San Francisco Police Department in 2013. In the letter, the author introduces
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himself as John Angland and claims to have escaped from Alcatraz in June 1962
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with his brothers John and Clarence Angland and their fellow inmate Frank
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Morris. The author asserts that they all successfully escaped that night, but
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only just. I am John Angland, the letter reads. In the letter, the writer claims,
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I escaped from Alcatraz in June 1962.
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Yes, we all made it that night, but just barely. According to this mysterious
39:16
letter, Clarence Angland died in 2008 and Frank Morris in 2005.
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The letter's author made an unusual offer to the authorities, suggesting
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that if they were promised no more than a year in prison and access to medical treatment, he would reveal his current
39:37
location. He claimed to be 83 years old and suffering from cancer at the time of
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writing. The letter mentioned that John Angland had spent most of his life in Seattle
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and had spent 8 years in North Dakota. By the time the letter was sent, the
39:56
author was supposed to be residing in Southern California. Do you think this letter is authentic?
40:02
Share your thoughts in the comments section. If you enjoyed this video,
40:07
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40:13
tales from history's underworld. Stay tuned for our next episode. Thank
40:18
you for watching.