Page 24 - All About History - Issue 52-17

Prisons

How to

EscapE alcatraz

thE island prison was rEnownEd for its ill-fatEd jailbrEaks

San FranciSco Bay, caliFornia, USa, 1934-1963

Originally set up as a naval defence post in the Raft
1850s, Alcatraz became a fortified, high-security
The raft was glued together using a
prison in 1934. Situated just over a mile offshore ‘vulcanisation’ method, by pressing the
from San Francisco, California, the prison glued rubber against the prison’s steam
heating pipes.
became known as ‘the prison service’s prison’,
and took on violent and dangerous criminals Paddles
from other penitentiaries in the US.
The raft and paddles were inspired by
Despite its fortress-like security, escape an article in Popular Mechanics. The
attempts still occurred. Of the 36 prisoners that magazine was later found in a cell.
tried to escape on 14 occasions (including two
men who tried twice), 23 were caught, six were Tides and currents
shot and two drowned. The remaining five men The water around Alcatraz is very cold,
and the tidal currents strong. The escaped
were never found, and are still listed as missing inmates in the raft were never found.
and presumed drowned. Alcatraz closed on 21
March 1963 due to running costs. Life vest
Fabricated using the same technique as
WHAT YOU’LL the raft, life vests were also inflated using
a modified accordion-like instrument as
NEED… a pump.
paint Escapees
Frank Lee Morris, John William Anglin
and Clarence Anglin escaped on the night
of 11 June 1962. Another inmate was in on
the plan but failed to get out of his cell.

makEshift tools

homEmadE
pEriscopE

50 prison-issuEd GATHER ASSOCIATES COLLECT TOOLS
raincoats For the best chance to make your escape you’ll need You’ll need as many tools as possible for cutting,

01 some trusted friends, as this will take teamwork. When 02 drilling, sculpting and sewing. Take and conceal
you’re confident in your associates, spend time going through whatever you’re able to get away with, and find a sensible
your plan and ironing out the weak spots. Spend the rest of hiding place that won’t arouse suspicion. Be resourceful – when
paddlEs your time watching the guards and learning their movements the vacuum cleaner breaks you can steal one of the motors
when you repair it to make a motorised drill.
inside out so you’re prepared when the time comes for action.

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