Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The San Francisco Bay waters you might as well sleep in a valley of swords. You cannot enter the water." — Henry Zabrowski
"But while those men all seem to settle into the maddening Bayley routine of the rock, there were plenty who attempted escape." — Marcus Parks
"The FBI did their damnedest to convince everyone that the three escaped inmates definitely drowned despite a lack of bodies because of people can escape from this extraordinarily expensive supposedly in escapeable prison to what the fuck was the point." — Henry Zabrowski
This installment of the El Catraz series delves into the history of escape attempts from the infamous federal penitentiary. The episode begins by dispelling myths about the prison's supposed inseparability, highlighting that while security was high, numerous prisoners attempted to flee. The podcast explores various methods, from simple ruses like forged release orders to elaborate plans involving digging through bars and constructing makeshift rafts. The treacherous waters of the San Francisco Bay are consistently emphasized as a primary obstacle, with the cold temperatures and strong currents posing a significant threat to any escapee.
The narrative then details specific historical escape attempts, featuring accounts of prisoners who utilized clever tactics, often over long periods, to circumvent security. Notable stories include those of Ralph Row and Ted Cole, who disappeared in 1937, and the more audacious 1946 "Battle of Alcatraz." The episode highlights the psychological impact of the prison, with some inmates seemingly resigned to their fate, while others, like Henry Young, were punished severely for minor infractions, fueling their desire to escape. The discussion frequently returns to the difficulty of survival in the bay, underscoring that successful escapes were rare, and often, bodies were never recovered, fueling speculation.
The episode culminates in a detailed examination of the 1962 escape of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, widely considered the most sophisticated and potentially successful escape from Alcatraz. The meticulous planning involved, including the creation of dummy heads and a raft from raincoats, is thoroughly discussed. The ongoing debate about whether Morris and the Anglins survived their escape is presented, with arguments from various sources weighing the evidence of their potential survival against the official stance of their demise. The episode concludes by reinforcing the idea that while Alcatraz was a formidable prison, human ingenuity and the desire for freedom often found ways to challenge its authority, ultimately contributing to its closure.