Pre-1962 Escape Attempts at Alcatraz

Catalog of pre-1962 Alcatraz escape attempts: methods, routes, and why the bay and security measures prevailed.

2/5/2025

13 min read

Cold water, tides, and timing — nature was the final warden.

Tip: Check ferry-day tide charts; the bay’s behavior still frames the escape debate.

Cretzer (1940 photo)

Year	Approach	Outcome
1936	Tool-and-swim	Hypothermia, recapture
1937	Raft attempt	Unconfirmed; likely lost to currents
1939	Yard scheme	Contained, injuries

I wrote this guide to make your Alcatraz day easy, informative, and memorable — with honest tips gathered from repeat visits.