Yemeni climber known as 'Spider-Man of Yemen' dies in volcanic crater lake

A well-known Yemeni adventure athlete died after drowning in a crater lake in the southern city of Dhamt, civil defense teams said. The climber, identified as Kawkab bin Anter, was known locally as "Yemen's Spider-Man" for his ability to scale rocky cliffs and volcanic craters, often without protective equipment. Rescue teams recovered his body from the sulfur-filled volcanic vent after search operations that began Friday afternoon, the civil defense service said. Divers were also dispatched from the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, with support from the Yemen Red Crescent, according to officials. Authorities said the crater's water temperature reaches 90 degrees Celsius and contains toxic gases, and they denied local claims that crocodiles were present in the lake. Bin Anter, described by his family as their sole breadwinner, regularly staged climbs in the area without safety gear, drawing local crowds. Mourners gathered at the site after the body was recovered, reciting takbirs to bid farewell to the family and the deceased. No further details on a burial or official investigation were immediately available.