Tragic Death of Yemeni Adventurer Known as 'Spider-Man of Yemen'
A Daring Climb Ends in Tragedy
A young adventurer from Yemen, Al Qapa Ibn Antar, who gained fame for his perilous climbs without safety gear, has tragically died after falling into a volcanic crater during one of his climbs. The 30-year-old was affectionately dubbed the "Spider-Man of Yemen" due to his fearless ascents in some of the country's most treacherous landscapes.
Details of the Incident
Antar was attempting to scale the steep walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater, located near Damt in Yemen's southern Dahle province, approximately 176 kilometers from the capital, Sanaa. True to his adventurous spirit, he was climbing without any safety measures. Yemen's Civil Defence Authority shared a video capturing the moment of his fall. The brief clip shows Antar navigating a rocky cliff, where he can be seen precariously holding on with one hand before losing his grip and vanishing from sight.
A tragic incident occurred today, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Damt, Al-Dhalea Governorate, Yemen. A young Yemeni adventurer and stunt performer known as Al-Qa'qa' bin Antar fell to his death inside the Haradhat crater in Damt. He was scaling the steep inner rock walls of the crater… pic.twitter.com/xmnPDbsHtw
— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) June 12, 2026
The crater, which descends 120 meters, houses a hot sulphurous lake at its bottom, surrounded by steep rocky walls that complicated any rescue efforts, as reported by Sky News.
Rescue Operations
Rescue teams spent four hours searching for Antar before discovering his body 30 meters beneath the lake's surface within the crater. Authorities described the recovery operation as challenging due to the difficult terrain.
A Life of Adventure
Antar had built a significant online following by sharing videos that showcased his extreme climbing feats, which many would deem reckless. One popular video featured him hanging from a cliff edge with no safety gear, his legs dangling perilously over the drop below. His content highlighted Yemen's stunning natural beauty while emphasizing his unique approach to climbing, relying solely on his physical strength and courage.
Safety Concerns Raised
In the wake of this tragic event, Yemen's Civil Defence Authority urged climbers and adventure sports enthusiasts to prioritize safety in their pursuits.