LAMAMIMET

Al‑Qaqa Ibn Antar, born around 1996, became known in Yemen and on social media as the “Spider‑Man of Yemen” for performing daring free‑climbing feats without ropes or harnesses. He frequently filmed his ascents at the Hardah Dam crater near Damt, sharing the videos online to attract attention and improve his impoverished circumstances. On 14 June 2026, while demonstrating his skills at the 390‑foot‑deep volcanic crater, Antar lost his grip and fell nearly 400 feet into the crater lake. Rescue teams recovered his body after a four‑hour operation, finding it submerged about 65 feet below the sulfur‑rich water. His death sparked a wave of condolences on social media, with some critics highlighting the extreme risks of his sport. Antar’s daring performances had helped raise the profile of free climbing in Yemen and inspired a generation of young climbers to pursue the discipline despite limited resources. He is remembered for his fearless approach to climbing and the viral videos that brought international attention to Yemen’s natural landmarks.