15/06/2026 15:51 - Internacionales
Escalador aferrándose con las manos desnudas a una pared rocosa vertical de un cráter volcánico profundo, sin arnés ni equipo de seguridad, paisaje árido de Yemen, el abismo oscuro debajo, fotografía de tensión dramática
A 30-year-old climber who became a social media sensation for performing dangerous stunts without any safety equipment has died after falling into a deep volcanic crater in southern Yemen while performing one of his usual climbs in exchange for tips from tourists.
Qaqaa Antar al Absi had become a well-known personality in Yemen after posting videos on social media showing him climbing vertical rock faces and descending craters without ropes or safety equipment.
Visitors and tourists would pay him small amounts of money to witness these risky climbs. According to locals, these tips had become the young adventurer's main source of income in a country facing severe economic hardship.
According to the Civil Defense Authority of Yemen's Houthi rebels, the accident occurred on Friday, June 12, 2026 while Al Absi was climbing the steep cliffs of the Damt crater. A 10-second video captured the chilling moment:
Body Found at 30 Meters Depth
Professional diving teams participated in the rescue
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Dalea province, 220 km south of Sana'a (Yemen's capital) |
| Depth | 100-120 meters |
| Type | Extinct volcanic crater |
| Contents | Thermal mineral waters rich in sulfur |
| Dangers | Steep rock walls, high temperatures from geothermal activity |
| Popularity | Destination for tourists, researchers and adventurers |
Rescue teams, which included professional divers and underwater rescue experts, faced "exceptionally difficult conditions" according to the official statement:
~24 hours
Time until body recovery
30 meters
Depth where body was found
4 hours
Duration of search operation
Yemen, located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, has been devastated by a civil war since 2014. The conflict between government forces and Houthi rebels has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, leaving millions in poverty. Many young Yemenis have few options for earning a living, which helps explain why Al Absi risked his life for tips from tourists.
The Damt crater is located in territory controlled by the Houthi movement, an armed group that has governed much of northern Yemen since taking control of the capital Sana'a in 2014.
After news of his death spread, Yemeni social media was flooded with messages of support for his family and remembrance for Al Absi's bravery. However, many also mourned the economic difficulties that forced him to perform such high-risk activities.
The Yemen Civil Defense Agency issued a strong appeal to all mountaineering and extreme sports enthusiasts to strictly adhere to all safety procedures and use appropriate protective equipment.
The Damt crater is one of Yemen's best-known geological sites. Although the volcano is considered extinct, authorities and geologists have repeatedly warned about the dangers of approaching its edges, as several accidents have been reported over the years.
The steep rocky walls and high temperatures generated by underground thermal processes make the site a potential trap for reckless adventurers.
Sources: Clarín | Vietnam.vn
Alfredo S. Quiroga
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