Caught on camera: Man, 30, known as ‘Spider-Man of Yemen’, falls to his death climbing volcanic crater

A 30-year-old man, known as “The Spider-Man of Yemen”, died after falling into a volcano crater while attempting to climb its rock faces without any safety equipment in Dhale, Yemen.

According to local authorities, the incident occurred on Jun. 12 at the Hardah Dam volcanic crater, Associated Press and BBC reported.

Lost grip

In videos circulating online, the man, Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, was seen scaling a rocky cliff with Arabic names inscribed on them in white.

At one point, he was seen letting go of his left hand and holding onto the cliff walls with his right.

Antar then lost his grip and plummeted into the crater.

The depth was approximately 120m, approximately 40 storeys high.

Rescue

Local rescue teams, including diving and water specialists, were deployed to recover Antar’s body, which was found at the bottom of the crater.

Divers apparently found his body 30m below the water surface.

Local authorities described the rescue operation as "highly dangerous", and "one of the most difficult and complex field rescue missions".

The rescue team was also reportedly promoted after demonstrating "exceptional field capabilities amid rugged terrain, harsh environmental conditions and high temperatures inside the volcanic crater".

Not the first climb

According to Ynetglobal, this was not Antar’s first climb at the volcano crater.

In April 2026, he was reportedly seen climbing up the volcano’s slope for several minutes while doing calisthenic stunts.

Antar had also reportedly used his climbing skills to assist in rescue operations.

Hardah Dam

Hardah Dam, also known as the Haradhat Damt, is a volcanic crater located near the city of Damt, in the south of Yemen.

The crater features steep rocky walls with a hot sulfurous lake sitting at its base that draws visitors.

The site has reportedly seen individuals trying to hang from its rock faces.