Fatal Climb at Hardah Dam Volcanic Crater
A daredevil free-climber known as the "Spider-Man of Yemen" tragically died after falling into a volcanic crater located in the south-west of Yemen.
Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, aged 30, was attempting to scale the steep rock faces of the crater on Friday without any safety equipment when he lost his grip and fell, local authorities reported.
The climber had amassed a significant following on social media due to his daring acrobatic stunts showcased in online videos.
The Hardah Dam volcanic crater is recognized as one of Yemen's most notable natural landmarks.
Video Captures Moment of Fall
Video footage that appears to document the moment of Antar's fall has been widely circulated online. The clip shows him climbing the near-vertical wall of the crater before he seemingly loses his grip and falls into the crater.
Rescue Operation and Recovery
Yemen's Civil Defence Authority commended the "heroic efforts" of its water rescue team for successfully retrieving Antar's body from the bottom of the crater, as stated in a release on Sunday.
"The operation over the weekend was highly dangerous and one of the most difficult and complex field rescue missions," the statement said.
The authority further noted that the rescue team was promoted after demonstrating "exceptional field capabilities amid rugged terrain, harsh environmental conditions and high temperatures inside the volcanic crater."
Footage released by the Civil Defence Authority shows rescuers descending the crater's side using climbing gear and lowering a cage to recover the climber's body.
According to the Associated Press, Antar's body was located by divers inside the 120-meter-wide crater at a depth of approximately 30 meters (98 feet) below the water surface.
Location and Tourist Attraction
The Hardah Dam, situated in Dhale province, has gained popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, featuring a hot sulfur lake at the base of the crater.
