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KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.

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On Jan. 13, 1939, five prisoners managed to saw through the bars of their individual cells in D block, get to the island’s western shoreline, and fashion a raft out of discarded lumber. Ultimately, two escapees were shot (one fatally) by guards, one fell from a cliff edge (and survived) and the final two were peacefully captured wearing only their skivvies.

On Jan. 13, 1939, five prisoners managed to saw through the bars of their individual cells in D block, get to the island&rsquo;s western shoreline, and fashion a raft out of discarded lumber. Ultimately, two escapees were shot (one fatally) by guards, one fell from a cliff edge (and survived) and the final two were peacefully captured wearing only their skivvies.

This Little-Known Escape From Alcatraz Almost Closed the Prison in 1939

KQED newscast for Friday, January 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM

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