  An enhancement of localized nonlinear modes in coupled systems gives rise to
a novel type of escape process. We study a spatially one dimensional set-up
consisting of a linearly coupled oscillator chain of $N$ mass-points situated
in a metastable nonlinear potential. The Hamilton-dynamics exhibits breather
solutions as a result of modulational instability of the phonon states. These
breathers localize energy by freezing other parts of the chain. Eventually this
localised part of the chain grows in amplitude until it overcomes the critical
elongation characterized by the transition state. Doing so, the breathers
ignite an escape by pulling the remaining chain over the barrier. Even if the
formation of singular breathers is insufficient for an escape, coalescence of
moving breathers can result in the required concentration of energy. Compared
to a chain system with linear damping and thermal fluctuations the breathers
help the chain to overcome the barriers faster in the case of low damping. With
larger damping, the decreasing life time of the breathers effectively inhibits
the escape process.
