A talented free climber, known as the ‘Spider-Man of Yemen’, tragically lost his life after falling into a volcanic crater last Friday. The climber, Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, was demonstrating his skills when the accident occurred.
Details of the Incident
Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, aged 30, gained fame for his daring acrobatic stunts, often performed without the aid of ropes or harnesses. The incident took place at the Hardah Dam crater, located near the city of Damt in southern Yemen, which has a depth of approximately 390 feet.
A widely circulated video shows Antar clinging to the crater’s wall without any safety gear, a common practice for him at the site. However, during this climb, he unexpectedly lost his grip and fell.
Civil Defense Authority/AP
The Yemeni Civil Defense Authority released a screengrab from video footage, showing rescuers retrieving Antar’s body on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Public Reaction and Aftermath
The news of his death elicited a flood of condolences on social media. While some criticized the risks he routinely took, others defended him, suggesting his actions were motivated by the need to escape poverty. The videos were likely an attempt to gain attention and support through social media.
The Civil Defense Authority announced that they successfully recovered Antar’s body after a challenging four-hour search operation. His body was found approximately 65 feet beneath the water’s surface in the crater lake.
The rescue operation was complicated by the lake’s sulfur-rich waters, which have temperatures ranging from 100 to 140 degrees, and potent gases emanating from underground vents.
Safety Warnings Issued
The Yemeni Civil Defense Authority issued a warning, urging both citizens and tourists to exercise caution while exploring natural attractions. They stressed the importance of keeping a safe distance from crater edges and steep slopes and adhering to general safety guidelines.
The Rise of Free Climbing
Free climbing has a storied history and has been thrust into the global spotlight with the rise of social media. This has fueled its popularity, attracting global audiences to witness such feats.
Notable free climbers like Alex Honnold have completed impressive ascents, such as climbing Taiwan’s 1,667-foot Taipei 101 tower without ropes, captivating viewers online. However, the risks associated with the sport are significant, as evidenced by the death of Alaskan free climber Balin Miller, who fell at Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan last summer.