A Yemeni adventurer known as the “Spider-Man of Yemen” has died after falling into a volcanic crater while attempting one of his signature climbs without safety gear, authorities said.
Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, 30, was scaling the steep rock walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in Yemen’s southern Dhale province on Friday when he reportedly lost his grip and plunged into the 120-meter-deep (393-foot) crater. The Civil Defense Authority confirmed the incident and shared a brief video capturing the fatal fall.
The 10-second clip shows Antar climbing a rugged cliff face without ropes or protective equipment. White Arabic inscriptions can be seen painted across sections of the rocky wall he was attempting to ascend before the accident occurred.
A Yemeni adventurer known as the “Spider-Man of Yemen” has died after falling into a volcanic crater while attempting to scale a vertical rock face without safety equipment, authorities said.
Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, 30, was climbing the steep walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in Yemen’s southern Dhale province on Friday when he lost his grip and plunged into the crater. A video released by the Civil Defense Authority shows Antar ascending the rocky cliff without ropes or protective gear.
In the footage, Antar can be seen clinging to the cliff with one hand while raising the other before apparently losing his hold and falling from view.
Rescue teams, including diving and water-recovery specialists, were dispatched to the site. Divers later recovered Antar’s body from a depth of approximately 30 meters (100 feet) below the water’s surface.
The Civil Defense Authority described the four-hour recovery operation as particularly challenging due to the crater’s steep, rocky terrain, which complicated access for rescue crews.
The Hardah Dam crater, also known as Haradhat Damt, is a volcanic landmark near the city of Damt in Dhale province. The site is known for its towering rock walls and a hot, sulfur-rich lake at the bottom, attracting visitors and adventurers despite its hazardous conditions.
Rescue teams, including diving and water-recovery specialists, were deployed to retrieve Antar’s body. Divers located him about 30 meters (100 feet) below the surface of the crater’s lake.
Antar had built a large following on social media, where he shared videos of himself undertaking daring climbs across some of Yemen’s most challenging landscapes. His feats frequently attracted widespread attention online.
In one widely viewed video, Antar is seen hanging from the edge of a rocky cliff using only his bare hands, with his legs suspended above a steep drop. Like many of his climbs, the stunt was performed without any visible safety equipment.
Following the incident, the Civil Defense Authority urged climbers and adventure enthusiasts to follow proper safety protocols and use appropriate protective gear, warning that such precautions are essential to help prevent similar tragedies.
