Five Decades After Prison Break, Man Who Escaped Alcatraz Sends  FBI A Confession

The San Francisco Police Department was taken aback when they received a confession letter in 2013, as it outlined how four criminals from the seemingly inescapable Alcatraz had managed to pull off a real-life prison escape from such a remote and isolated island.

But their extraordinary accomplishment demonstrated that such prison breaks, while rare, can indeed happen in the real world and this is how they did it.

The Story of Alcatraz

Alcatraz, an island located about a mile away from the San Francisco shore, is a notorious prison that once housed dangerous criminals. Although it is currently known as the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, it was originally constructed as a lighthouse and military base.

The Inescapable Fortress

The developers required a place where prisoners could not escape, and even the craftiest ones could not roam free and pose a threat to the surrounding neighborhoods.

Why It Was Perfect

Being an island, Alcatraz was surrounded by cold and deep water, making it nearly impossible for any prisoner who managed to escape the walls to swim ashore safely. Although the prison closed down in 1963, it is still remembered for its harsh conditions.

However, some may still wonder, were there any successful prison escapes from Alcatraz?

Those Who Dared

The main characters in this narrative were not the only ones who made attempts to escape. However, unlike them, the others did not succeed. Over the years, 23 inmates tried to break free, but were apprehended and returned to their confinement.

As a result of their failed attempts, the guards were displeased and meted out additional punishments.