Yemen’s ‘Spider-Man’ dies in fall into volcanic crater
A daredevil climber known as “The Spider-Man of Yemen” has died after falling into the Hardah Dam volcanic crater while attempting a risky ascent without safety equipment. Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, 30, lost his grip and fell 120 meters (393 feet) into the crater in the southern province of Dhale on Friday, according to the Civil Defense Authority Source: CNNSource: AP News.
The incident
A 10-second video released by authorities shows Antar climbing a steep rocky wall with Arabic names written in white, holding on with one hand before losing his grip and falling Source: AP News. Rescue teams, including divers, recovered his body from a depth of 30 meters (100 feet) below the water surface after a four-hour “complex” operation Source: CNN. The crater, also known as Haradhat Damt, contains a hot sulfurous lake at its base Source: AP News.
Background and reaction
Antar gained fame on social media for posting high-risk climbs of Yemen’s rugged terrain, often without any protective gear. His videos went viral, and his death has prompted tributes from fans Source: Al Jazeera. The Civil Defense Authority later urged climbers to follow safety procedures and use appropriate gear to prevent similar incidents Source: CNNSource: AP News.
Sources
3 quotes“Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, 30, was climbing the steep walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in the southern province of Dhale on Friday when he lost his grip and fell into the 120 meter (393 feet) crater, according to the Civil Defense Authority, which posted a short video capturing the moment of his fall.”
“Rescue teams, including diving and water specialists, were sent to retrieve Antar’s body, which was found by divers at a depth of 30 meters (100 feet) below the water surface.”
“Yemen’s ‘Spider-Man’ has died after falling while climbing the 120-metre Haradhat Damt volcanic crater without equipment. Tributes have poured in from fans of Al-Qa’qa’ bin Antar, who became famous for his videos attempting daring climbs.”