“Spider-Man of Yemen” Dies in Tragic Fall from Volcanic Crater
“Spider-Man of Yemen” Dies in Tragic Fall from Volcanic Crater
Yemeni daredevil Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, known as "The Spider-Man of Yemen," tragically dies after a fall into a volcanic crater. His viral climbs captivated millions.
The world mourns the tragic loss of Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, the daring adventurer famously known as "The Spider-Man of Yemen." The 30-year-old, who captivated millions with his perilous climbs, met his untimely end after falling into a volcanic crater during an attempt to scale its sheer rock faces without safety gear.
The incident occurred earlier this week when Antar was ascending the precipitous walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in Yemen’s southern Dhale province. Authorities confirmed that he lost his footing and plunged a staggering 120 meters (393 feet) into the crater. A brief, 10-second video released by the Civil Defense Authority captured the harrowing moments, showing Antar gripping the cliff with one hand before appearing to slip, leading to his fatal fall. The footage clearly shows him performing the dangerous feat without any protective equipment.
Specialist rescue teams, including divers, faced a complex four-hour operation to recover Antar’s body from the challenging terrain. It was eventually located 30 meters (100 feet) below the water's surface at the base of the crater. The Hardah Dam, also known as the Haradhat Damt, is a distinctive volcanic crater near the city of Damt in Yemen’s southern Dahle province, characterized by its steep rocky walls and a hot, sulphurous lake.
Antar had become a social media sensation in recent years, regularly sharing videos of his high-risk ascents across Yemen’s most rugged landscapes. His viral content often depicted him performing incredibly dangerous feats, such as hanging from cliff edges by his bare hands, his legs dangling precariously, always without the use of any safety equipment.
Following this devastating tragedy, the Civil Defense Authority has issued a stern warning to climbers and adventure sports enthusiasts. They urge everyone to strictly adhere to safety protocols and to utilize appropriate protective gear to prevent similar heartbreaking incidents from occurring in the future.
