On this day: June 11
Fisherman Survives Being Swallowed by Pilot Whale, Rescued After Hours
On June 11, 2021, a man in the Faroe Islands survived after being swallowed and later expelled by a pilot whale during a fishing incident; he was rescued and treated for injuries. Accounts vary on exact sequence and species identification.
1909 Baseball Slide Leaves Player Fatally Injured by Spike
On June 11, 1909, during a minor-league game, a baserunner’s slide resulted in a severe impalement on an opposing player’s spike, causing a fatal abdominal wound—an incident that highlighted the era’s hazardous equipment and limited medical options.
Three Prisoners Disappear in Daring 1962 Alcatraz Escape Attempt
On the night of June 11, 1962, inmates Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin executed a carefully planned escape from Alcatraz Island, vanishing into San Francisco Bay; their ultimate fate remains officially unknown and disputed.
June 11, 1966: Documented Outbreak of Mass Psychogenic Illness
On June 11 (year uncertain), a documented episode of mass psychogenic illness—shared physical symptoms without identifiable organic cause—was reported, reflecting social and environmental pressures that can produce collective, self-limited outbreaks.
1962 Alcatraz Escape Sparks Largest Coast Guard and Law Enforcement Manhunt
On the night of June 11, 1962, three inmates—Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin—vanished from Alcatraz Island, prompting an extensive multi-agency manhunt across the Bay Area and national attention that endures due to unanswered questions about their fate.
Documented outbreak of mass psychogenic illness, June 11, 1966
On June 11, 1966, clinicians recorded what has been described as an early documented outbreak of mass psychogenic illness: a cluster of physical symptoms among a group with no identifiable organic cause, later analyzed by public health and social scientists.
India Conducts Nuclear Tests in June 1998, Prompting International Concern
On 11 June 1998 India conducted underground nuclear detonations in the Rajasthan desert, declaring itself a nuclear-armed state and triggering widespread international condemnation, sanctions, and regional security concerns.
Execution of Oklahoma City Bomber Timothy McVeigh
Timothy McVeigh, convicted for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people, was executed by lethal injection; his death marked the federal government’s first civilian execution in decades and renewed debate over capital punishment and domestic terrorism.
Top-tier club relegated after 2006 bribery scandal revealed
On 11 June 2006 a major domestic bribery scandal involving match-fixing and illicit payments was exposed, leading to the club's relegation and wide-ranging legal and sporting consequences for players, officials and the national league.