A renowned adventurer dubbed as “The Spider-Man of Yemen” has tragically passed away following a failed stunt.
Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, aged 30, met his demise while attempting to climb the steep walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in Dhale, Yemen. Without any safety gear, he lost his grip and plunged into the 120-meter (393 feet) deep crater below.
A brief video released by the Civil Defense Authority captured the moment of Antar’s fall as he scaled the cliff with no safety equipment. The footage showed him clinging to the rocky surface with Arabic inscriptions written in white before losing his hold and falling.
Following the incident, a search and rescue operation was initiated to recover Antar’s body. Divers located him at a depth of 30 meters (100 feet) below the water surface after a challenging four-hour mission due to the rugged and inaccessible terrain.
Situated near Damt in Yemen’s southern Dahle province, the Hardah Dam, also known as the Haradhat Damt, is a distinctive volcanic crater featuring steep rocky walls and a sulfurous lake at its base.
Antar had gained popularity on social media for sharing videos of his daring climbs in Yemen’s rough terrain. His high-risk ascents often went viral, showcasing his bare-handed exploits, including hanging from cliffs without safety precautions.
In response to the tragedy, the Civil Defense Authority emphasized the importance of safety measures for climbers and adventure enthusiasts, urging them to use proper protective equipment to prevent similar accidents.
