Yemeni adventure creator Antar Al Absi fell into the Haradhat Damt volcanic crater during a high-risk climb. His death drew tributes online and renewed warnings about basic safety precautions.
Yemen's Spider-man's stunt goes wrong, falls into 120-ft volcanic crater (Screen grabs)
New Delhi, UPDATED: Jun 15, 2026 08:51 IST
A Yemeni adventurer and social media personality known as the "Spider-Man of Yemen" has died after falling into a volcanic crater while attempting to scale a near-vertical rock face without safety equipment, according to local officials and media reports.
Al Qa'qa' bin Antar, 30-year-old, popularly known online as Antar Al Absi, was climbing the steep walls of the Haradhat Damt volcanic crater in Yemen's southern Al Dhale province on Friday when he lost his grip and plunged into the crater. Videos of the fatal fall have since circulated widely on social media.
The incident was confirmed by Yemen's Civil Defense Authority, which said Antar fell into the crater while attempting one of the high-risk climbs that had made him famous among followers across the Arab world. Authorities said the crater is around 120 metres deep.
A short video released by the Civil Defense Authority appears to show Antar scaling the rocky cliff face without any visible safety gear. In the footage, he can be seen clinging to the rock wall before suddenly losing his hold and falling into the crater.
Specialist rescue teams, including divers and water-recovery personnel, were dispatched to the remote site. According to the authority, rescuers faced difficult conditions because of the crater's steep and rocky terrain. After a search operation lasting about four hours, divers recovered Antar's body from approximately 30 metres below the water surface.
Haradhat Damt, also known as the Hardah Dam crater, is a volcanic formation near the city of Damt in Yemen. The landmark is known for its towering rock walls and a hot sulphur-rich lake at the bottom, attracting adventurers and visitors despite the challenging terrain.
Antar had emerged as one of Yemen's best-known adventure content creators, amassing a large following through videos documenting dangerous climbs and expeditions across some of the country's most rugged landscapes. His content frequently showed him scaling sheer cliffs, hanging from rocky ledges with his bare hands and exploring volcanic formations, often without ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment.
Several of his videos had gone viral in recent years, earning him the nickname "Spider-Man of Yemen" among followers who admired his daring feats. Supporters described him as a fearless adventurer who pushed physical limits in pursuit of spectacular footage.
News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes online, with followers expressing shock and sorrow while sharing clips from his previous climbs. Many remembered him as a symbol of courage and determination, while others pointed to the dangers associated with extreme adventure content created without adequate safety measures.
Following the incident, the authorities urged climbers and adventure enthusiasts to strictly follow safety procedures and use appropriate protective equipment, warning that neglecting basic precautions could lead to similar tragedies.
- Ends
Published By:
Priyanka Kumari
Published On:
Jun 15, 2026 08:49 IST
Read the full article at India Today →📄Source document: Yemen's Civil Defense Authority
3 reports
India TodayIndependentCenter6 days agoYemeni adventurer Antar Al Absi, known as the 'Spider-Man of Yemen,' died after falling into a 120-meter-deep volcanic crater in Haradhat Damt, southern Yemen, during a high-risk climb without safety equipment. The incident was confirmed by Yemen's Civil Defense Authority, and videos of the fall have circulated on social media. Tributes were paid to Antar online, with calls for increased awareness of safety precautions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of an accident involving a well-known individual, focusing on the event itself rather than taking a stance on political, social, or ideological issues. There is no evident framing bias, loaded language, or selective sourcing that would indicate a particular sla
Official sources cited
- government Yemen's Civil Defense Authority
NDTVIndependentCenter7 days agoAl-Qaqa Ibn Antar, 30, was climbing the steep walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in the southern province of Dhale when he lost his grip and fell into the 120-meter crater, resulting in his death.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an incident involving a person falling into a volcanic crater during a climb. The event is presented factually without any apparent ideological framing or emphasis on political aspects. There is no indication of bias in the language used or the context provided.
NDTVIndependentCenter7 days ago On Camera, 'Spider-Man Of Yemen' Falls Into Volcanic Crater, DiesAl-Qaqa Ibn Antar, 30, was climbing the steep walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in the southern province of Dhale when he lost his grip and fell into the 120-meter crater, resulting in his death.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an incident involving a person falling into a volcanic crater during a climb. The subject matter is not politically charged, and the report appears to be factual without any apparent bias or slant.
India