Alcatraz Escape FBI File: What's Actually in the Declassified Records

Over months, Morris and the Anglin brothers widened ventilation openings in their cells, built dummy heads from papier-mâché and real hair to fool guards, and assembled a raft and life vests from more than 50 stolen raincoats. On the night of June 11, 1962, they climbed through a utility corridor to the roof and reached the water. A fourth inmate, Allen West, was left behind when he could not get out of his cell in time, and he provided details of the plan. The FBI investigated leads across the country and abroad. Some belongings were later recovered in the bay, but no bodies were confirmed. The Bureau closed its case in 1979; the U.S. Marshals Service still treats it as open.

• ▸Investigative records from the FBI's search for Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin
• ▸Accounts of how the escape was planned and carried out, including information tied to inmate Allen West
• ▸Leads and reported sightings that agents followed up over the years
• ▸Records of items recovered from San Francisco Bay after the escape

• ✗"The FBI proved they drowned." The FBI never confirmed their deaths; it closed the case without finding them.
• ✗"The case is closed." The FBI closed its investigation in 1979, but the U.S. Marshals Service still considers it open.
• ✗"Four men escaped." Four planned it, but Allen West never made it out of his cell.
• ✗"No one ever escaped Alcatraz." Officially, no escapee was ever confirmed to have survived — but this escape remains unresolved.

1. 1962
   June 11–12: Morris and the Anglin brothers escape their cells and launch a raft into San Francisco Bay.
2. 1962
   The FBI begins its investigation; personal items and raft material are recovered in the following days and weeks.
3. 1963
   Alcatraz federal penitentiary closes, less than a year after the escape.
4. 1979
   The FBI closes its case and turns it over to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Did the FBI ever find the Alcatraz escapees?

No. The FBI investigated for 17 years without finding Frank Morris or the Anglin brothers.

When did the FBI close the Alcatraz escape case?

In 1979, when it handed the case to the U.S. Marshals Service, which still considers it open.

How did they escape Alcatraz?

They widened vents in their cells, left dummy heads in their beds, reached the roof, and launched a raft made from stolen raincoats.

Where can I read the FBI's Alcatraz escape file?

The original records are available through the FBI Vault source linked on this page.

Always consult the primary source. Public records may include redactions, allegations, and unverified informant claims.

Note: FBI Vault document previews sometimes fail to load. If the preview is stuck, use the “Download PDF” button on the FBI page.