Alcatraz Escape: Prison Flaw Aided Notorious Break

In June 1962, a daring escape from Alcatraz saw three inmates vanish into the San Francisco Bay, a feat now attributed partly to a construction oversight. John and Clarence Anglin, along with Frank Morris, exploited a flaw in the prison's concrete walls, which were not properly vibrated during construction, making them easier to dig through.

Months of meticulous tunneling with spoons, combined with realistic papier-mâché dummy heads placed in their bunks, allowed the escapees a crucial eight-hour head start. This ruse tricked guards during routine checks, masking their departure through utility corridors and over fences.

The inmates launched their escape into the cold, 40-degree waters of the bay using a raft fashioned from raincoats. While life vests and a paddle were later found, their ultimate survival remains unconfirmed, with most evidence pointing towards a tragic end in the treacherous currents.