“Spider-Man of Yemen” Dies After Falling Into Haradhat Damt Volcano Crater

Al-Qa’qa’ bin Antar, a 30-year-old Yemeni free climber who gained social media fame for scaling sheer rock faces without ropes or safety equipment, has died after falling into the Haradhat Damt volcano crater in Al Dhale province, officials said.

Bin Antar — widely known online as the “Spider-Man of Yemen” for videos showing him climbing steep cliffs and volcanic formations — fell on Friday while attempting to ascend the 120-meter (394-foot) crater wall, Al Jazeera reported. He climbed without ropes, harnesses or other protective gear.

Recovery and Rescue Efforts

Civil Defense teams recovered his body on Saturday after nearly 24 hours of recovery operations, according to Yemen Monitor. Local news outlet Yemen Online reported that rescuers deployed diving and water-rescue specialists, specialized equipment and lighting units to reach the remote, difficult-to-access crater.

Steep, rocky terrain and hazards inside the crater made the recovery particularly challenging. Videos circulating online appear to show the moment bin Antar lost his grip and fell into the crater; authorities and news organizations have used those clips in their coverage.

Context: Earlier reporting by Yemen Online said bin Antar told journalists that poverty and the need to earn money motivated him to perform risky climbs that attracted large online audiences.

This incident highlights the increasing visibility and dangers of extreme stunts shared on social platforms, and the risks undertaken by performers who climb without safety equipment to attract views and income.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Yemen Monitor, Yemen Online, social media footage.