Aden (South24 Center)

Civil defense authorities in the city of Damt in Al-Dhalea Governorate said Saturday (June 13) that rescue teams had recovered the body of Yemeni climber Al-Qa'qa' Antar Al-Absi, known as the “Spider-Man of Yemen,” after he fell into the crater of the Haradhat Damt volcano.

Officials said the body of the 30-year-old was recovered following a difficult rescue operation involving civil defense teams, divers and water rescue specialists.

The operation was described as highly complex due to the crater’s rugged terrain, steep rocky walls and high temperatures inside the volcanic site.

A specialized diving and water rescue team, equipped with lighting and recovery gear, was deployed to support search and recovery efforts after Al-Absi fell in the volcanic area of Haradhah in Damt District.

غواصون يتمكنون من انتشال جثة "القعقاع"..

بعد سنوات من المغامرة الخطرة.. مصير مأساوي لمتسلق الحرضة البركانية في دمت#south24 pic.twitter.com/aleFA0GGdV

— South24 | عربي (@South24_net) June 13, 2026

Rescue teams also carried out extensive ground searches at the accident site and in surrounding areas before locating and recovering the body.

According to preliminary accounts, Al-Absi was near the hot springs inside the crater when he lost his balance and fell from a height of nearly 31 meters.

Other reports said he had been climbing one of the crater’s steep rocky walls without professional safety equipment when he lost his grip and fell.

Footage believed to show the moment of the fall circulated widely on social media, triggering shock and grief among Yemenis and Arab users.

Al-Absi had gained wide popularity in recent years through videos documenting his climbs of steep slopes, rocky cliffs and the walls of the Haradhat Damt crater, often without ropes, safety harnesses or any other protective gear.

His daring adventures earned him the nickname “Spider-Man of Yemen,” but also raised concerns about the risks of carrying out such activities at a dangerous natural site lacking proper safety measures.

In previous recordings, Al-Absi had spoken candidly about his difficult living conditions, describing climbing and performing for visitors as a way to earn income and support himself.

Local reports said he had become closely associated with the Damt crater, where visitors often gathered to watch his climbing performances.

The incident has renewed calls for stricter safety measures at Haradhat Damt, one of Yemen’s most prominent volcanic landmarks.

The site, known for its steep rocky edges and hot sulfuric waters, attracts visitors and adventurers, but remains hazardous amid the absence of adequate protection, warning signs and proper emergency infrastructure.

Civil defense authorities urged visitors and adventure enthusiasts to avoid dangerous performances, follow public safety instructions and use proper protective equipment when visiting mountainous or volcanic areas to prevent similar tragedies.

Damt District is under the control of the Houthi militia. It is one of three northern districts that were added to the South Yemen governorate of Al-Dhalea after Yemeni unity in 1990.

The district is known for the natural Damt steam bath, which is visited by thousands of people every year for recreation and to benefit from its natural hot waters, which are believed to help treat skin diseases and joint conditions.