A renowned thrill-seeker dubbed as “The Spider-Man of Yemen” has met a tragic end following a failed stunt.
Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, aged 30, was scaling the steep walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in the southern Dhale province on Friday when he slipped and plummeted into the 120-meter (393 feet) crater below. Authorities reported that he was trying to climb vertical rock surfaces without any safety gear.
The Civil Defense Authority shared a brief video capturing the moment of his fall. The footage, lasting 10 seconds, depicts Antar climbing a rocky cliff without any safety precautions. Arabic inscriptions are visible on the cliff face where he was climbing. He is shown gripping the cliff with his right hand, left hand raised, before losing his grip and falling.
Search and rescue teams, including divers and water specialists, were dispatched to recover Antar’s body, which was discovered by divers at a depth of 30 meters (100 feet) underwater. The rescue operation, lasting four hours, was labeled as “challenging” due to the rugged and rocky terrain, making access difficult.
The Hardah Dam, also known as the Haradhat Damt, is a distinct volcanic crater situated near Damt city in Yemen’s southern Dahle province. A notable landmark in the area, the crater features steep rocky walls and a hot sulfurous lake at its base.
Antar had gained popularity on social media platforms for sharing videos of his daring climbs in some of Yemen’s most rugged landscapes. His videos often went viral, showcasing risky feats like hanging from a cliff edge with his bare hands, legs dangling over a steep slope without safety equipment.
The Civil Defense Authority has advised individuals involved in climbing and adventure sports to adhere to safety protocols and issued a caution to utilize “appropriate protective gear to prevent similar incidents.”