1962 John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Lee Morris made an attempt to escape from Alcatraz federal prison. The three men were never seen again, and although some believe that their escape was the only successful getaway from what was known as The Rock, it is generally believed that they drowned in the chilly 54-degree water. Four days after their escape, a bag containing photos that belonged to Clarence Anglin was found in San Francisco Bay. The three prisoners began their daring escape by using kitchen utensils to chip away at the cement near ventilation holes in their cells. They then made fake grills out of cardboard and painted them to match the originals, which were located in a small area where they could get outside without being seen. The inmates made dummy heads from soap and concrete and placed them in their beds so that the guards would not notice them missing. Scraps of hair from the barbershop made the fake heads look more realistic. Once outside, the three climbed over a 15-foot fence and made their way out to the choppy waters surrounding the island prison with life preservers made out of raincoats. The book, Escape From Alcatraz, by J. Campbell Bruce, and the ensuing movie, dramatised the incident

This has always fascinated me. I think there is still speculation whether the escapees made it to freedom or died trying. The soap and concrete heads they made are really ingenious. Also, the life rafts.