3 inmates who famously escaped Alcatraz may have survived

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Three inmates who famously escaped from Alcatraz island in the 1960's had a small chance of survival. That's according to a new study by Dutch scientists.

Clarence Anglin, John Anglin, and Frank Morris were bank robbers who spent months digging an escape tunnel using sharpened spoons.

In June of 1962, they left dummy heads in their beds made of soap, toilet paper, and hair as they made their escape.

Investigators believe they made a raft out of raincoats to cross the bay.

Despite an intense search effort, they were never seen again.

Researchers say the strong currents would have pushed the inmates to the North Bay, depending on which way they paddled.

If that were the case, they would have spent so much time in the water, they would have either died of hypothermia or been caught by police by the time the sun came up.

Researchers say if they paddled toward the North Bay, the tides would have worked in their favor and increased their chances of survival.