Yemeni Free‑Climber Dies After Falling Into Volcanic Crater

Mon Jun 15 2026 15:57:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Yemeni free‑climber dies after falling into a volcanic crater while attempting to climb it, sparking a dangerous rescue operation and raising questions about safety among social media stunt performers.

A 30‑year‑old social media star, known as the Spider‑Man of Yemen, slipped while attempting to scale a volcanic crater in Djale province and fell into its depths. The body was recovered at 30 meters by the Yemen Civil Defence Authority’s rescue team. The operation, described as highly dangerous, involved climbers descending the crater’s walls and winching a cage to extract the body. Yemen’s Civil Defence praised the team's “heroic efforts” and promoted the crew for their “exceptional field capabilities.” The incident highlights growing concerns over the safety of free‑climbing stunts performed under risky conditions.

Yemeni Free‑Climber Dies After Falling Into Volcanic Crater

Al‑Qaqa Ibn Antar, the local media darling known as the “Spider‑Man of Yemen,” was found dead inside a volcanic crater in south‑west Yemen after an attempt to scale its steep rock faces led to a fatal fall.

Rescuers inside the crater — Yemen Civil Defence Authority released footage of rescuers taking the body from the crater.

Antar, 30, had a sizable following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where he showcased daring acrobatic stunts. He attempted to climb the near‑vertical walls of the Hardah Dam crater on Friday without safety gear, and the subsequent video evidence shows a loss of grip leading to the fatal plunge.

The Hardah Dam crater is one of Yemen’s most famous natural landmarks, containing a hot sulfur lake at its base and attracting tourists and adventure seekers alike. During the weekend, rescue teams reached the base of the crater, scaled its side, and winched a cage down to retrieve the climber’s body.

The Civil Defence Authority described the rescue as “highly dangerous” and “one of the most difficult and complex field rescue missions.” They noted the team had been promoted for their “exceptional field capabilities amid rugged terrain, harsh environmental conditions and high temperatures inside the volcanic crater.”

According to the Associated Press, divers found Antar’s body 30 meters (98 ft) below the water surface in the 120‑meter wide crater. The incident has sparked conversations about the risks associated with unregulated climbing and social media stunt performances in Yemen’s challenging landscapes.